Abstract:
Sri Lanka's economy is significantly reliant on the maritime and logistics industry,
which serves as a conduit for both domestic and international trade. In high-demand
sectors characterized by prolonged work hours, prioritizing leisure is imperative for
enhancing employee well-being, as it mitigates stress and fosters greater job
satisfaction. Ultimately, a balanced approach to work and leisure is associated with
increased productivity and retention rates, which are vital for sustaining the efficacy
and competitiveness of the industry. This study investigates the determinants of
leisure choice among employees in Sri Lanka's maritime and logistics sector using a
logit regression model. It analyzes data from a cross-sectional survey of 400
employees, focusing on socio-demographic, economic, and work-related factors such
as age, gender, income, marital status, number of dependents, work hours,
experience, and work-life balance policies. The findings indicate that age, gender,
income, and number of dependents significantly predict leisure preferences, with
older employees, particularly those aged 46-55, and female employees showing a
stronger inclination towards leisure, likely due to caregiving roles. Additionally,
higher income and a greater number of dependents positively influence leisure
selection, while the presence of work-life balance policies appears negatively
associated with leisure preference, suggesting these policies may not effectively
increase leisure time in this sector.. The findings of this study offer valuable insights
for human resource management policies such as flexible work arrangements,
employee wellness programs, and initiatives promoting work-life balance in this
sector, emphasizing the need for targeted policies to enhance work-life balance, job
satisfaction, and employee welfare. These results also contribute to the broader
understanding of leisure economics within high-demand industries, highlighting the
importance of addressing industry-specific challenges to improve employee wellbeing.
