DETERMINANTS OF LEISURE CHOICE AMONG EMPLOYEES IN THE MARITIME AND LOGISTICS SECTOR IN SRI LANKA: A LOGIT ANALYSIS

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.