Effects of quality of work-life on turnover intention: evidence from Sewing Machine Operators in Sri Lankan apparel industry

Abstract

High employee turnover among sewing machine operators (SMOs) is one of the critical problem facing apparel industry in Sri Lanka as it create high cost to the organizations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Quality of Work Life (QWL) on turnover intention among the sewing machine operators in apparel industry in Sri Lanka. This study covered sewing machine operators in Sri Lanka with the sample size of 350 and data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents were females and 91% of the respondents were young. The results also illustrated that there is a relationship between QWL and turnover intention and the study further indicated that most of the respondent were dissatisfied with their work life and showed their willingness to leave. According to the results of Pearson’s Correlation analysis, it was found that QWL were negatively and significantly correlated with turnover intention of SMOs. The study further indicated that there is a strong negative relationship between these two variables. Regression analysis shows that 56% of the turnover intention among SMO’s was explained by QWL. This study concluded that satisfied employees will positively contribute to the organizational goals and assured that quality of work life will not only attract young and new talent but also retain the existing talent.