CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Research
In recent times, various reforms in the banking sector of Nigeria, has made the banking occupation to be more demanding (Olimugiwa, 2015). Various reforms aimed at strengthening the banking sector necessitate the merging of banks, while weaker ones were acquired. One of such reforms initiated by the Central Bank of Nigeria is the bank recapitalization policy in 2005, where banks were mandated to raise their capital base to N25 billion. This brought about many mergers and acquisitions in the banking sector, while some banks resorted to raising more funds from the capital market through issuance of new shares.
The various mergers and acquisitions resulted in more job losses as most banks could not sustain the cost of operating more branches with increased work force. This is as a result of poor manpower planning and economic downturn (Uchendu, 2005). The massive lay-offs in the banking sector of Nigeria brought about more responsibilities for employers who survived the average effect of the acquisitions. A job that should be handled by 2 or 3 people was now given to 1 person to handle. Employees in the banking sector have to work tirelessly to meet up with the goals of the bank with little or no motivation (Soludo, 2004). Tasks not completed during working hours are now taken home to be completed. With the aid of digital devices such as smart phones, laptops, palmtops as this technologies enable work to be conducted remotely, away from the normal working environment (Cox,2011).
‘Work’ and ‘Life’ are two different spheres that need to be carefully balanced, as one could negatively affect the other (Agba, Nwosu, Innah, 2015). Job stress and employees not being satisfied with their jobs can occur when ‘work and ‘life’ are out of balance (Rotondo, Carlson & Kincaid, 2003).
The concept of work-life balance implies the need to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. This is expressed as “working without worrying plot personal issues at the office; and being at home without bringing office task on board”.
Maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal live is even getting more challenging with more jobs and few hands to execute them in the banking sector. The use of digital devices to work is getting more popular amongst the general public with the introduction of smart phones; users have found a way to connect to their jobs 24/7. (Rotondo, Carlson & Kincaid, 2003)
The utilization of digital devices is getting popular among employees in the banking sector of Nigeria (Modi, 2011). The invention of tablets, laptops, smart phones and social media platforms has been widely accepted by the working class citizens, as it has now made working remotely possible. Employees now have the liberty and flexibility to work from anywhere-including their homes.
Technological advancement at workplace has been discovered to be a major factor in improving productivity and efficiency in an organization. Strategic technological innovations have improved product quality, service delivery and the manner employees communicate at workplaces (Adeyeyetololope, 2014). However, getting the right balance between work and personal life can be challenging. ‘’Work roles are getting more difficult and encroaching to our personal life ever since digital technology has enabled us to be connected to our jobs at all time’’ (Sokol,2015). Work related stress is now on the increase, as more employees feel they need to be connected to their devices in-order to be responsive to their jobs at all times. A 2014 Gallup study revealed that employees in the U.S who use their smart phones hours are more likely to be stressed out.
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