Optimising workspaces for employee productivity: A contemporary analysis of commercial banks in Bamenda, Cameroon

Abstract

In commercial banks globally, there is a prevailing misconception that employee productivity is linked primarily to compensation packages. However, this study investigates the impact of workplace factors, specifically, the physical environment, psychosocial dynamics, policy environment, and work-life balance, on employee productivity in commercial banks, with a focused case study on Bamenda, Cameroon. The main objective is to assess how these workplace factors influence employee productivity in commercial banks in Bamenda. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 130 employees across the various commercial banks existing in Bamenda, Cameroon, through structured questionnaires. The analysis employed Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, revealing that the physical work environment and work-life balance significantly enhance employee productivity, with coefficients of 0.302 and 0.197, respectively, and p-values of 0.004 and 0.041. Psychological environment and policy environment did not exhibit significant effects, with coefficients of 0.077 (p = 0.377) and -0.045 (p = 0.177), respectively. The model demonstrated an R² of 0.243, indicating that approximately 24.3% of the variation in employee productivity can be explained by these factors. The findings emphasise the necessity for commercial banks to prioritise improvements in workplace conditions and cultivate a supportive work-life balance to optimise employee performance. It is recommended that management should focus on enhancing the physical workspace and promoting policies that facilitate a healthier work-life balance, and fostering a culture that enhances employee satisfaction and productivity.