The judiciary and family-friendly policies: an institutional analysis of work-life balance challenges facing Ghanaian judges

Purpose Relying on institutional theory, this study explores work-life balance challenges facing judges as a result of institutional factors that determine accessibility to family-friendly policies in the Ghanaian judiciary. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative design using thematic analysis is employed herein in order to analyse the primary data retrieved from 26 judges using semi-structured interviews. Thus, this paper is among the first to focus on the work-life balance realities of judges in a Sub-Saharan African context, where literature is scarce. Findings Considering the definitions ascribed to institutionalised conceptualization of work-life balance, our initial overall findings revealed challenges in attaining it. Further results revealed three key themes: inflexible work design, concerns related to one’s career stage, and patriarchy. These factors all constrain judges from effectively utilising available family-friendly policies that could potentially alleviate their work-life conflicts. Research limitations/implications The extent to which the findings can be generalised is constrained by the limited sample size. However, the aim of the study was to unpack how institutional rituals, norms, and routines form authoritative guidelines shaping judges’ perceptions of institutional practices that constrain the take-up of work-life balance policies. Originality/value The study contributes to extant research by showing nuanced experiences of judges – a workgroup conventionally ignored in work-life balance studies.