Association between Work Breaks and Work-life Balance among Female Employees in Cameroonian Commercial Banks

Abstract

Work–life balance remains a challenge for female employees in the Cameroonian banking sector, where demanding schedules and limited opportunities for recovery may affect employees’ capacity to manage work and personal responsibilities. This study examined the association between work breaks and work–life balance among female employees in commercial banks in Bamenda, Cameroon. Guided by the Effort-Recovery Model, the study used a quantitative cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected from 125 female employees using a structured questionnaire and analysed through descriptive statistics, pairwise correlations, and ordinary least squares regression with HC3 heteroskedasticity-consistent standard errors. Work breaks were positively associated with work–life balance (β = 0.207, p = 0.067), indicating a marginally significant relationship at the 10% level. The model explained 14.6% of the variation in work–life balance (R² = 0.146), and the overall model was statistically significant (F(6, 118) = 3.371, p = 0.004). None of the demographic control variables showed a significant association with work–life balance. The findings suggest that opportunities for within-day recovery, including psychological detachment and relaxation, may support female employees in managing work and non-work demands. Commercial banks should consider policies that encourage regular work breaks, provide suitable break facilities, allow flexible break scheduling, and promote managerial support for break-taking. The cross-sectional, self-report design limits causal interpretation and broader generalisation.