WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE AMONG FEMALE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS IN NIGERIA: EVIDENCE FROM ABUJA METROPOLIS

Abstract

The increasing engagement of women in Nigeria's real estate market has highlighted the necessity to investigate work-life balance (WLB) characteristics among female professionals. Despite industry development, female professionals continue to encounter major hurdles in balancing career obligations with personal and family commitments. This study evaluated the work-life balance (WLB) habits of female real estate professionals in Federal Capital, Abuja, Nigeria, and investigated their impact on professional performance. A descriptive survey study design was used, with structured questionnaires distributed to 75 female real estate professionals from chosen public and private agencies by census sampling. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and linear regression via SPSS. Findings revealed that burnout frequency and limited family time were the most prevalent indicators of work-life imbalance, while job flexibility and WLB satisfaction were rated low. Mental and emotional stress alongside limited childcare options emerged as the most critical challenges. Despite these pressures, respondents demonstrated moderate to high professional performance, with most reporting an ability to meet deadlines despite personal responsibilities. The study found a high positive correlation (r = 0.641, p < 0.01) between work-life balance and job performance. Regression results showed that WLB practices explain for 41.1% of the variance in job performance (R² = 0.411). The study suggests that institutional flaws such as insufficient supervisor assistance, a lack of childcare policies, and restricted wellness programs reduce female professionals' long-term output. Real estate firms are urged to implement flexible scheduling and gender-sensitive policies in order to build inclusive work cultures.