Title: Work-life balance scenario of female professionals working in the corporate sector of Bangladesh: challenges, consequences and organisational responses

Authors: Ishrat Sultana; Shayla Khanam; Jerin Haque Chhanda

Addresses: School of Business and Economics, United International University, United City, Madani Avenue, Badda, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh ' School of Business and Economics, United International University, United City, Madani Avenue, Badda, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh ' School of Business and Economics, United International University, United City, Madani Avenue, Badda, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of female employees regarding the work-life balance practices in the corporate sector of Bangladesh. Data were collected through email interviews from 29 female employees and qualitative methodology was used for the analysis. Findings indicate that, women face enormous challenges in maintaining their professional and domestic roles as work-life balance practice is mostly neglected by organisations in Bangladesh. Failure to maintain work-life balance for prolonged time may result in lower productivity and lack of concentration in work along with severe physiological and psychological impact on women's life. Based on the findings, the paper recommends approaches to ensure work-life balance practices. Although there are numerous research available on work-life balance practices, very few studies were conducted to focus on the challenges women face due to the dual roles they play at work and home. As this issue is still under-researched in Bangladesh, the paper makes an empirical contribution to the literature by focusing specifically on female employees working in the private organisations.

Keywords: work-life balance; Bangladesh; private organisation; female employees; dual role; childcare; productivity; household responsibilities; physical health; psychological wellbeing; policies; practices.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMP.2023.130354

International Journal of Management Practice, 2023 Vol.16 No.3, pp.343 - 366

Received: 25 Feb 2021
Accepted: 24 Aug 2021
Published online: 18 Apr 2023 *

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