Work Life Balance and Performance of Women Entrepreneurs: Evidence from Nasarawa State

Abstract

This paper investigated the relationship between work life balance and performance of women entrepreneurs in Nasarawa State. The study adopted a cross-sectional approach; primary data was collected through structured questionnaire. The population of the study was 120 women entrepreneurs drawn from various local government of Nasarawa State. The hypotheses were tested using multiple regressions. The finding revealed that there is a significant relationship between work life balance and performance of women entrepreneurs in Nasarawa State. This implies that women entrepreneurs who experience greater levels of flexible work arrangements tend to have higher performance. This would not only help the women entrepreneurs to reduce work-related stress but would also be motivated them to perform better at their various endeavors. Work life balance has been a growing concern for women entrepreneurs especially in Nasarawa State,Nigeria. This incessant demand on their time for work and family as well as the effort to meet ends needs has affects the balance in the lives of women entrepreneurs in Nasarawa state. Inadequate attention to work demands, family workload, wellbeing and spousal support have created a major problem and pressure causing unbalance between work life and family life. Thus, the main objective of the study was to determine the effect of work life balance on the performance of women entrepreneurs in Nasarawa state, while the specific objectives were: to determine the relationship between work-life balance and business growth; determine the effect of work-life balance on job satisfaction among women entreprenuers; and examine the extent to which work-life balance affects service delivery of women entrepreneurs in Nasarawa state, Nigeria.The study adopted a cross sectional survey using a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches to deliver a detailed understanding and deeper insights of the variables. The thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that work life balance have a positive effect on performance of women entrepreneurs. Other components of Work life balance like healthy living, family, community networks and support were also identified from the thematic analysis to improve performance of women entrepreneurs. The study concluded that balancing business roles with other necessities of life have significant effect on business growth and performance of women entrepreneurs in the in Nasarawa State. Therefore, the study recommended that women entrepreneurs should adopt effective work life balance strategies by planning, organizing and implementing time management to enable them achieve optimum performance.