Quality of Work Life and Employee Attrition: Empirical Evidence from Lower-Level Employees in Nepalese Commercial Banks

Abstract

Employee attrition remains a significant challenge for commercial banks, particularly among lower-level employees whose stability is essential for service quality and operational continuity. Grounded in Walton’s multidimensional Quality of Work Life (QWL) framework, this study examines the predictive relationship between eight QWL dimensions and employee attrition intention in Nepalese commercial banks. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 244 employees, and hierarchical regression analysis was employed to assess the incremental contribution of QWL dimensions beyond demographic characteristics. The findings indicate that workplace quality factors significantly predict attrition intention. Growth opportunities and job security, opportunity to develop human capabilities, compensation perceptions, social integration, procedural fairness (Constitutionalism) and working conditions emerged as significant determinants, whereas social relevance of work and work life balance did not show a statistically significant association. The study provides empirical evidence on the multidimensional role of quality of work life in shaping lower-level employee attrition intention within Nepalese commercial banks.