An examination of work-life balance policies and practices: A case analysis of Ghanaian judges

Abstract

Work-life balance (WLB) is an emerging concept in Africa and currently not much is known about the WLB experiences of judges, particularly in Africa. Based on this, the study explored the WLB policies and practices of judges in Ghana. In addition, many studies have neglected the experiences of judges in WLB research. Specifically, the study critically examined the notion of work-life balance among Ghanaian judges, identified the available work-life balance policies and practices adopted by the Ghanaian judiciary; investigated the factors that facilitate or constrain the utilisation of work-life balance policies and practices in the Ghanaian judiciary and the coping strategies adopted by Ghanaian judges. The study adopted a qualitative research method based on an interpretivist philosophy. The research approach adopted was inductive and the research strategy was a case study considering Ghanaian judges. Primary data was collected from 32 judges in Ghana using a semi-structured interview guide. The sample for this study was drawn from the population of Ghanaian judges in the Supreme Court, Court of appeal, High Court of justice, Circuit court and District court. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis based on the recommendations of Braun and Clarke (2012). The findings indicate that the judges had different notions of WLB: managing work and non-work demands, increased autonomy and control, absence of work-life conflict, healthy work and non-work experience and time for family. There was variance in the judges’ perception of WLB and their experience. The range of WLB initiatives in the Ghanaian judiciary were limited to flexible leave arrangements. Flexible working arrangements, flexible locations, and other arrangements were not prominent. The prevailing employment legislation was found to be reactive, and not reflective of the current realities in the workplace. Factors that facilitate the uptake of WLB initiatives are career stage, gender stereotype, marital status/dependants, health, support, and awareness. Factors that constrained the uptake of WLB initiatives are perceived career damage, lack of information, cultural stereotypes, organisational culture, economic factors, lack of support, and politics/corruption. Assistance seeking approach such as Family/spousal support, psychologists, spiritual/religious activities, and paid workers/house helps were the major coping strategies employed by judges. Other personal strategies included weekend travels, and rest and leisure activities. Strategies to transform WLB in the Ghanaian judiciary were digital transformation, expanding the workforce, introducing the rota and court sharing system and setting up more courts. The study concluded that WLB is socially constructed and varies depending on the individual’s perspective and experiences. The scope of WLB initiatives in the Ghanaian judiciary is streamlined to leave arrangements, and this connects with the fact that the concept is still emerging. The study also concludes that the factors that constrain the uptake of WLB initiatives in the judiciary outweigh those that facilitate the uptake of WLB initiatives. The study hence recommended the need to address the WLB experiences of judges in Ghana in terms of their workload and long working hours. There is also the need for regulatory and supervisory frameworks to be established or strengthened as the case may be to assist public and private organisations in Ghana (re)design work more humanely and in line with globally accepted standards. Issues like support and awareness need to be addressed to mitigate the notion of perceived career damage, lack of information and cultural stereotypes.