Work-Life Balance and Labour Relations in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector

Okezie Njideka Gladys; Kuroakegha Bio Basuo Ph.D

doi:10.56201/ijssmr.vol.11no12.2025.pg308.320

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Work-Life Balance and Labour Relations in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector

Okezie Njideka Gladys and Kuroakegha Bio Basuo Ph.D

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between work-life balance and labour relations in Nigeria’s industrial sector, emphasizing how effective labour management practices contribute to employee well-being and organizational productivity. The industrial sector, being one of the most labour- intensive and economically significant areas of Nigeria’s economy, is characterized by long working hours, rigid schedules, and limited welfare provisions. These conditions have generated increasing concern about the imbalance between professional and personal life among employees. The study highlights that achieving an optimal work-life balance is crucial not only for employee satisfaction but also for maintaining harmonious labour relations, minimizing industrial conflicts, and enhancing national productivity. Through an extensive review of literature, the study identifies labour relations institutions, such as trade unions, employers, and government regulators as pivotal actors in promoting decent work conditions. However, weak enforcement of labour laws, socio-economic pressures, and organizational cultures that prioritize output over welfare continue to undermine work-life initiatives. The findings show that the absence of effective collective bargaining, inadequate occupational health policies, and insufficient gender-sensitive measures have worsened the work-life imbalance in industrial workplaces. Furthermore, the study recognizes that globalization and digital transformation are reshaping industrial labour dynamics, necessitating the integration of flexible work arrangements and welfare-driven management systems. The study concludes that the sustainability of Nigeria’s industrial growth depends on strengthening labour relations frameworks that prioritize employee welfare and recognize work-life balance as a fundamental human right. It recommends the enforcement of existing labour laws, institutionalization of family-friendly workplace policies, promotion of tripartite dial

Keywords

Work-life balancelabour relationsindustrial sectoremployee welfareproductivityNigeriatrade unionsworkplace policy.

References

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Work-Life Balance and Labour Relations in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector

Abstract

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