THE IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ON EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This research investigates the impact of industrial relations on employee productivity in Nigerian industries, with a particular focus on employee satisfaction, welfare programs, and the role of trade unions and collective bargaining processes. The study employed multiple linear regression analysis to assess the relationship between industrial relations practices and cost reduction. The findings reveal that industrial relations practices, such as dispute resolution, collective bargaining, and labor laws, significantly contribute to employee productivity. Additionally, employee satisfaction was found to positively affect productivity, with job satisfaction factors like recognition and rewards playing a central role. Welfare programs, including health insurance and retirement benefits, were identified as key motivators, contributing to enhanced productivity by reducing absenteeism and boosting employee morale. Although trade unions played a moderate role in improving employee productivity through collective bargaining, their impact was less pronounced compared to industrial relations practices and employee satisfaction. Regression analysis further confirmed that industrial relations practices and employee satisfaction had the strongest influence on cost reduction, followed by employee welfare programs and trade unions. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening industrial relations practices, improving employee satisfaction, enhancing welfare programs, empowering trade unions, and investing in training and development programs to foster a more productive workforce