Work-Life-Balance and Employee Satisfaction in the Ghana Health Service: A Case of Cape Coast Metropolis

Abstract

With a descriptive outlook, this study investigated the effect of work-life-balance and job satisfaction among health workers within Cape Coast. Specifically, the study sought to examine the factors that determine work-life-balance at the GHS in the metropolis; analyse the influence of poor (negative) work-life-balance on job satisfaction among GHS workers in the metropolis; and finally, to examine the influence of good (positive) work-life-balance on job satisfaction among GHS workers in the metropolis. The study had three hospitals in scope – Adisadel health centre, Ewim Poly Clinic and Cape Coast District Hospital. It adopted the quantitative research approach. Data was gathered from 85 sampled respondent through the use of survey questionnaires. The study found that factors that influence work-life-balance of employees in the selected healthcare facilities included leave policy, management styles, personal lives, flexibility of job, control over work, among others. It was also found that negative work-life-balance does influence Job satisfaction and this influence was found to be statistically significant. Also, positive work-life-balance was also a good predictor of job satisfaction. To improve work-life-balance and the ensuing job satisfaction, the study recommended that management of these three healthcare facilities through the Ghana Health Service, should recruit more health professionals. It is also recommended that the provision and enforcement of mandatory leave for nurses, doctors, etc.