Behind the Seams: An Insight into Work-Life Balance of Garments Workers in Bangladesh

Authors/ Publisher: 1. Niaz Makhdum 2. Md. Akram Hossain 3. Sabbir Ahmed Chowdhury

Abstract:

Background and Problem Statements: Bangladesh's ready-made garment industry, employing 4.22 million people, has experienced significant growth in job creation, foreign revenue, and GDP contribution. However, garment workers often face high stress levels, making it difficult to balance work and personal life.

Objectives: The study aims to explore the multifaceted challenges garment workers in Bangladesh face, which hinder their ability to balance their personal and professional lives.

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional qualitative research approach, conducting 20 in-depth interviews with 10 male and 10 female garment workers, using purposive sampling to ensure balanced gender representation, and conducted a thematic analysis on the collected data.

Summary of Key Findings: Economic constraints and lack of political rights push the workers further into social isolation and marginalization. Workplace-specific challenges like job insecurity and unsanitary working environments compromise their overall well-being, resulting in worker burnout. The factors relating to workers' distress, including inadequate remuneration, extended working hours, and subpar working conditions also lead to intensified stress, feelings of inferiority, and deteriorated family ties.

Contributions and Implications: This study emphasizes the need for reforms to promote work-life balance and enhance workers' well-being, ultimately leading to an ethical, equitable, and prosperous garment industry in Bangladesh.