PERCEPTIONS OF WOMEN EMPLOYEES IN THE PVT SECTOR TOWARDS “EMPLOYEE WELFARE PROGRAMS” FOR MAINTAINING WORK LIFE BALANCE

The increasing number of women in the labor market and the rise in duel career couples has prompted many organizations to introduce programs that help their employees balance their work and personal lives. Positive employee’s perceptions of such initiatives have tended to be assumed rather than demonstrated. This study examines how a proposal for a work life balance program is actually viewed by women employees. Based on survey data from 300 women employees in a shopping centre in Pune city, the study finds evidence of a range of perceptions towards childcare welfare programs provided by their employers. The perceptions of women employees are influenced by various criteria such as: Women’s existing and potential constraints in managing work and childcare; Benefits women employees receive from child care welfare programs; Attitude towards their employer. Perceptions towards the provision of child care welfare programs are particularly positive when these programs help to resolve their difficulties of balancing work and childcare.