IMPACT OF WORK OVERLOAD AS A JOB STRESSOR ON EMPLOYEES' INTENTION TO LEAVE: THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF WORK-FAMILY CONFLICT IN A SRI LANKAN APPAREL SECTOR ORGANISATION

Year 2023, Volume: 12 Issue: 3, 110 - 117, 30.09.2023

Hemamali Ganewatta , N.l.d.h Hıroshıma

https://doi.org/10.17261/Pressacademia.2023.1822

Abstract

Purpose- This article investigates the impact of work overload and work-family conflict as job stressors on employees' intention to leave in the Sri Lankan apparel sector, focusing on the mediating effect of work-family conflict. The study addresses concerns over high employee turnover rates among machine operators in the sector.
Methodology- The study collected primary data through a self-administered questionnaire from a sample of 106 machine operators working in a selected factory in the western province of Sri Lanka. The research adopted a cross-sectional quantitative survey design, and data analysis was performed using the SPSS PROCESS macro.
Findings- The study revealed that work overload positively influenced work-family conflict, indicating challenges in balancing work and family responsibilities. Further, work overload increased employees' intention to leave, suggesting its detrimental effects on employee motivation and job satisfaction. Work-family conflict serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between work overload and turnover intentions, playing a crucial role in transmitting adverse effects, leading to increased turnover intentions.
Conclusion- This research demonstrates the combined effects of work overload and work-family conflict on employee turnover intentions within the Sri Lankan apparel sector context. The findings highlight the importance of addressing work-related demands and resources to enhance job outcomes, such as employee turnover, in compliance with the Job Demands-Resources model. These insights provide practical implications for implementing strategies that promote work-life balance, reduce turnover intentions and enhance both employee and organisational performance.

Keywords

Work overload, work-family conflict, employee turnover intentions, job stressor, Sri Lankan apparel sector

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