Interrogating Leave policy and Employee performance: Focus on Universities in South East Nigeria

Abstract

The study interrogates leave policy and employee
performance in Public Universities in South East, Nigeria.
Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The
population of the study was 4648.Freud and Williams
formula was used to determine the sample size of 784.The
collected data was analyzed through the use of a mean
score. The z-normal distribution t-test was applied in
testing the hypotheses. The findings revealed that Sick
Leave had a significant effect on employee job satisfaction
in public universities in South East, Nigeria, and that
Sabbatical Leave has significantly affected employee
efficiency in public universities in South East, Nigeria. The
study concluded that while leave policies are essential for
maintaining employee well-being and ensuring
operational continuity, their impact on organizational
performance depends on various factors such as
implementation, enforcement, and organizational
culture.The study recommended among others that Given
the notable impact of Sick Leave on employee job
satisfaction in public universities in South East Nigeria,
it's crucial to prioritize the implementation of supportive
sick leave policies. This involves ensuring prompt payment
of their salaries, facilitating easy access to healthcare
services, and offering flexible work arrangements for
recovery. Additionally, fostering a culture of empathy and
understanding towards employees' health needs can
enhance job satisfaction and overall well-being within the
university environment.