Analysis of the Challenges of Work Life Balance of Mothers in the BPO Industry:Case study of ISON BPO Uganda Limited

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the challenges of work-life balance among mothers in the BPO industry. The specific objectives of the study were to investigate the main challenges mothers currently working in the BPO industry face in relation to their WLB, to investigate the employee perception towards work life balance, to investigate strategies to improve work life balance of Employees (mothers) at ISON BPO. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey of 60 respondents from ISON Company. The study established the major/main challenges currently facing mothers in BPO industry in relation to WLB and they included lack of WLB policy at ISON BPO Company, lack of company initiatives to manage WLB issues at ISON and too much pressure from work. The study also revealed that 53.3% of the challenges affected married mothers most. The study also revealed the employee perception about WLB and their perceptions were; it’s important to achieve a balance between work and personal life, all employees should be aware of all work life balance policies created by the organization, WLB is entirely an individual responsibility. The study further revealed that 56.7% of the perceptions were accounted for in the group of 20-29years, in relation to management, 88.3% of the perception was accounted for by agents. The study recommended that ISON BPO Company should inform its employees about the policies and procedures existing in the organization, ISON should train all its employees on WLB, ISON should consider having flexible targets to employees as compared to rigid targets. This study is important to management at ISON Company limited as it highlights the importance of WLB management and it also highlights the role of top management in managing WLB. Key words; Work life balance (WLB), Challenge, Perceptions, Strategies, ISON BPO Company ltd.