EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND WORK–LIFE BALANCE: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF STRESS MANAGEMENT IN BANKING SECTOR

Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines the relationship between emotional intelligence and work–life balance among banking sector employees, with a particular focus on the mediating role of stress management.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was adopted. Data were collected from employees working in public and private sector banks using a structured questionnaire. Statistical techniques, including correlation, regression, and mediation analysis, were used to test the proposed relationships.

Findings: The results indicate that emotional intelligence has a significant positive effect on work–life balance. It also enhances stress management, which in turn improves work–life balance. The findings further reveal that stress management partially mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence and work–life balance.

Practical Implications: The study highlights the importance of developing emotional intelligence and implementing stress management strategies in organizations. These findings can help banking institutions design policies and training programs that support employee well-being and work–life balance.

Originality/Value: This work contributes to the literature by integrating emotional intelligence, stress management, and work–life balance within a single framework, with a specific focus on female employees in the banking sector.