EXPLORING THE STRATEGIES FOR COPING WITH WORK-LIFE CONFLICT: A STUDY ON THE EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE BANK OF INDIA

Abstract

The work-life conflict has an adverse impact on employees’ lives as well as the organisation. Thus, this study aims to explore the strategies for coping with work-life conflict among the State Bank of India (SBI) employees and examine if there is any significant difference among the employees in coping with work-life conflict. Drawing on a mixed method approach, an open-ended, in-depth interview was held with 10 SBI employees working in Manipur for the qualitative method, while 257 quantitative survey questionnaires were collected from SBI employees using random sampling. The collected data were analysed using SPSS Statistics 21. Statistical tools like Exploratory Factor Analysis, Cronbach’s Alpha, descriptive statistics, and independent-sample t-tests were employed to meet the research objectives. The findings revealed that employees can cope with work-life conflict using various strategies such as workplace flexibility, inspiration, abetting, managerial support, and self-care. The study also found that the coping strategies for work-life conflict do not differ significantly among the SBI employees based on gender, marital status, working experience and occupational level. The study, thus, adds to the body of knowledge on work-life balance in the banking sector and offers guidance to organisations on how to formulate strategies that will help employees effectively manage work-life conflict. Further, it also provides insight for employees to cope with work-life conflict from their end.