Abstract:
Purpose- This article investigates the impact of work overload and work-family conflict as job stressors on employees' intention to leave in the Sri
Lankan apparel sector, focusing on the mediating effect of work-family conflict. The study addresses concerns over high employee turnover rates
among machine operators in the sector.
Methodology- The study collected primary data through a self-administered questionnaire from a sample of 106 machine operators working in a
selected factory in the western province of Sri Lanka. The research adopted a cross-sectional quantitative survey design, and data analysis was
performed using the SPSS PROCESS macro.
Findings- The study revealed that work overload positively influenced work-family conflict, indicating challenges in balancing work and family
responsibilities. Further, work overload increased employees' intention to leave, suggesting its detrimental effects on employee motivation and
job satisfaction. Work-family conflict serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between work overload and turnover intentions, playing a
crucial role in transmitting adverse effects, leading to increased turnover intentions.
Conclusion- This research demonstrates the combined effects of work overload and work-family conflict on employee turnover intentions within
the Sri Lankan apparel sector context. The findings highlight the importance of addressing work-related demands and resources to enhance job
outcomes, such as employee turnover, in compliance with the Job Demands-Resources model. These insights provide practical implications for
implementing strategies that promote work-life balance, reduce turnover intentions and enhance both employee and organisational performance.
