Factors affecting the quality of work life for industrial labour force: empirical evidence from a developing country

Abstract

The success of any organization requires a skilled, competent, and satisfied workforce. If the workforce can be provided with the necessary components to ensure a high quality of working life, they will become permanent assets. Various factors undoubtedly affect the quality of workers' work lives. This study aims to investigate the drivers of the quality of work life in industrial labour force in a developing country, Bangladesh. It enumerated the elements that have an impact on industrial labour force’s quality of work life (QWL). A structured questionnaire was administered to 420 Bangladeshi workers across diverse industries, yielding a commendable response rate of 93.33%. The collected data underwent analysis employing the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. Representative industries and respondents were chosen by random selection. The results revealed that work environment, organizational culture and climate, relationships and cooperation, compensation and rewards, adequacy of resources, autonomy of work, job satisfaction, and security are directly related to the QWL. Training and development, and facilities do not significantly affect QWL. The research results can be used to improve the quality of work life for those working in the industrial sector. An industry may accomplish long-term and short-term goals by maintaining a pleasant workforce. The study's findings will provide policymakers and regulatory authorities of Bangladesh's industrial sector with strategic references and strategies to boost industrial productivity and economic growth for sustainable development by ensuring industrial employees' quality of work life that can serve as a template for Bangladesh.