CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1  Background to the Study

Well-being is a composite of an individual's experiences and life circumstances. Happiness, fulfillment, vitality, optimism, passion, and self-actualization are all components of well-being (Ward and Neve, 2019) Employee wellness has received attention lately for its contribution to a healthy and productive workforce (Warr and Nielsen2018). This increased recognition results from the understanding of their importance in fostering job productivity and general well-being. Employee programs comprise a range of initiatives designed to enhance the general well-being of staff members, including their physical, mental, and emotional health (Warr and Nielsen 2018).

Studies have consistently shown that employee performance is positively impacted by wellness (Burton, Chen, & Conti, 2017). For example, taking part in these programs has been associated with higher levels of job satisfaction because people participate in activities that improve their well-being, which increases their performance and productivity at work. Additionally, Ganu, Ganu, & Nyaranga (2017) highlighted the significant gains in productivity and lower absenteeism rates from wellness initiatives. These programs help workers improve overall resilience, manage stress, and lead healthier lifestyles by addressing physical and mental health. Prolonged stress has negative effects on workers' mental and emotional health as well as their physical health, including immune system compromise, headaches, exhaustion, and performance at work (Richa & Deepika 2017). Employees in the Civil Service also face the challenge of long working hours because they are often faced with heavy workloads and tight deadlines (Ijewereme, 2018). The pressure to finish tasks in the allotted time leads to higher work levels and longer stretches of nonstop work. Long-term work exposure can impair cognitive function and cause fatigue, which will ultimately prevent employees from giving their best work (Ijewereme, 2018). For many civil servants, an inadequate work-life balance continues to be a major problem. Due to the time and energy commitment required by their demanding jobs, they frequently have little time left over for personal interests, family obligations, and leisure activities (Ijewereme, 2018). An unbalanced work-life schedule can lead to relationship problems, stress, and unhappiness. It may also result in a decline in involvement and motivation at work. Job performance and well-being in the Civil Service may suffer if these issues are not resolved. Reduced focus, diminished creativity, and decreased job satisfaction can all lead to decreased performance and productivity. Employee wellness programs are becoming more and more popular, but it's important to assess their efficacy in the particular context of public sector in Ekiti (Ijewereme, 2018).

The public sector frequently deals with delicate issues and stressful decision-making processes. Persistent stress affects workers' mental and emotional health as well as their physical health, resulting in symptoms like immune system compromise, headaches, and exhaustion (Kingsley, Achufusi & Chidi 2023). In addition, the public sector frequently deals with delicate issues and stressful decision-making processes. Persistent stress affects workers' mental and emotional health as well as their physical health, resulting in lower performance. Employees in the Civil Service face an extra challenge because of their long work hours because they frequently have to meet deadlines and heavy workloads (Kingsley, Achufusi & Chidi 2023). It is to this the study will center on the influence of employee well-being on job performance in the Nigerian public sector.

1.2  Problem Statement

Noble (2009) argues that recognizing and addressing employee wellness should receive more focus since employees who have a poor opinion of their workplace may experience chronic stress. Opperman (2002) opined that workplace procedures, systems, structures, equipment, and environments that have an impact on an employee's performance, whether positively or negatively, are part of the employee or work well-being. Furthermore, policies, procedures, culture, resources, working relationships, work environment, and other internal and external elements are also included in the concept of employee well-being. These elements all have an impact on how employees carry out their duties. The issue that led to this investigation is centered on the idea that worker well-being has a major impact on worker performance. Lack of offices to allow workers to do tasks efficiently, noise that can be uncomfortable depending on the task at hand, and the working environment have all been important factors in the Ministry's low job performance and low employee well-being leading to chronic stress and mental break down among workers in Ekiti state (Kingsley, Achufusi & Chidi 2023), there have been efforts implemented by the Ekiti state government to improve the general well being and further improve job performance of workers in the Ministry of Finance which has yielded little or no result, these efforts include sabbatical leave to help balance work stress and employee wellness  to mention a few .According to Koopans (2011) Barriers between one's private life and work life have many undesirable impacts on their well -being and job performance. It is easy to tell from employees behavior whether or not they are fully invested in their job and finding satisfaction in their career. The behavioral implications of poor employee well being are poor performance, absenteeism, and slack off on the job. Again there has been a link between poor employee well being and stress, burnout, low job performance, mental health issues, including exhaustion and difficulty focusing (Meenakshi and Neha, 2020). This suggests that employee well being  may influence their production at the business. The government will learn from this study how much the work environment and regulations it has in place affect employees' performance and well-being. It is therefore important to find out the influence of employee well-being on job performance in the Nigerian public sector.

1.3 Research Aim

The main aim of the study is  to examine the influence of employee well-being on job performance in the Nigerian public sector. The study will be carried out in the Ministry of Finance in Ekiti state.

1.4 Research Objectives

The objectives of the study will include:

a) To examine the influence of employee well-being on employee performance in the Ministry of Finance in Ekiti state.

b) To determine the extent to which job security influences employee performance in the Ministry of Finance in Ekiti state

C) To examine how training programs influence employee performance in the Ministry of Finance in Ekiti state.

d) To ascertain the impact of a reward system in improving job performance in the Ministry of Finance in Ekiti state.

1.5 Research Questions

a) What is the influence of employee well-being on employee performance at the Ministry of Finance in Ekiti state?

b) To what extent does job security influence employee performance at the Ministry of Finance in Ekiti state?

c) How does training influence employee performance at the Ministry of Finance in Ekiti state?

d) What is the impact of the reward system in improving job performance in the Ministry of Finance in Ekiti state?

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study's conclusions are expected to make it easier for the Ministry of Finance to acknowledge the factors influencing workers' performance and well-being at work. An acceptance like this might be used to enhance workers' working circumstances. Additionally, it will illustrate how the study's conclusions will help the organization address concerns about workers' health and working conditions and consider crucial elements that boost productivity.  Moreover, As a result, it will be used as a resource for upcoming studies in this field (empirical evidence), this can be supported by Babbie, (2010) shows that empirical evidence is an  information obtained through observation and documentation (research) of certain behavior and patterns or through an experiment which can be used to strengthen other research.  Furthermore, the findings will shed additional light on the variables influencing workers' performance in terms of their wellbeing. The study is expected to provide knowledge and measures to improve the well-being of employees for better performance in public institutions specifically at the Ministry of Finance Ekiti state. Again the findings of the study will serve as a medium for further research for students or lecturers who are willingly to carry out further research on the research topic or related topic. The study will also help me as an individual fill in the research gap and contribute to the body of knowledge on the Influence of employee well-being on job performance in the Nigerian public sector.