Work-life balance is a myth, say Prudential Bank female leaders at IWD event
Prudential Bank Limited has marked this year’s International Women’s Day with an intimate and thought-provoking engagement that placed the realities of modern womanhood in the workplace at the centre of discussion.
Held at the bank’s Head Office, the event brought together female staff in a relaxed “girls’ tea session” setting, where conversation, rather than ceremony, defined the occasion. Against a backdrop of purple-themed décor, participants engaged in candid reflections on work, relationships and personal wellbeing in the demanding banking environment.
A panel comprising the Head of Human Resources, Lilian Antwiwaa Asante, Unit Head for Branch and Channel Monitoring, Nancy Evelyn Korkor Oheneba-Dornyo, and Branch Manager at the Ring Road Central Branch, Elsie Kumordzi, led discussions on the theme of work-life balance and office relationships.
Setting the tone for the session, Ms Asante challenged the conventional notion of balance, arguing that the concept itself may be unrealistic for many working women.
“You can't balance,” she stated, drawing on the daily pressures of managing both home and professional responsibilities. “Home comes to work, work comes to home.”
She suggested that rather than striving for perfect balance, women should aim for a sense of equity that allows them to function effectively across different aspects of their lives.
Sharing her personal experience, Ms Kumordzi recounted her transition from a less demanding work environment to the pressures of corporate banking, noting the strain it placed on her early relationships. She stressed the importance of deliberate self-care in navigating such challenges, stating that survival in high-pressure roles requires being “intentional” about creating time for oneself.
Ms Oheneba-Dornyo offered a different perspective, proposing “work-life integration” as a more realistic approach. She emphasised that perfection is unattainable and urged participants to prioritise their wellbeing.
“In life, there's no perfection anywhere,” she said, encouraging women to adopt sustainable coping strategies to avoid burnout.
The discussion also explored the complexities of workplace relationships, with panellists highlighting the need for self-awareness and clear boundaries. They noted that while office romance is not uncommon, it requires maturity, mutual respect and a strong understanding of personal values to succeed without undermining professional responsibilities.
The speakers agreed that individuals must first understand their own goals and limitations before entering such relationships, stressing that ambition and personal relationships can coexist if managed carefully.
Organised by the bank’s Human Resources Department, the event aimed to create a platform for mentorship and open dialogue, particularly between senior and younger female staff. It also sought to reinforce confidence and equip participants with practical tools to navigate both their careers and personal lives.
Prudential Bank said the initiative reflects its broader commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture where women are empowered to thrive.
