Work–life balance

About: Work–life balance is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2252 publications have been published within this topic receiving 36240 citations. The topic is also known as: Work Life balance & work-life balance.

Women Entrepreneurs and the Challenge of Work–Life Balance: Evidence from Kosovo

Abstract: This research aims to reveal the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in Kosovo, emphasizing the challenge of work–life balance (WLB). As deliberated by many authors, concerning the term work–life balance, it is defined as the opportunity of balancing between personal life on the one hand and work on the other. The three research questions of this chapter were: do women entrepreneurs face difficulties on work–life balancing? do they involve other family members in business operations in order to help work–life balancing? and is their marital status a factor on WLB? This issue is more or less studied in the context of Kosovo. This is the reason why this research is conducted in Kosovo, with the sample of 24 female entrepreneurs. 21 questions of interviews are designed accordingly to the three research questions. The findings indicated that the majority of female entrepreneurs face difficulties on work–life balancing, but to overcome this challenge, they engage their family members on business activities and also, women who are married, especially those with more than one child have more difficulties on this aspect than those unmarried.Fulfilling the gaps relied by previous studies and recommendations to female entrepreneurs in terms of better management of life and work simultaneously, it is considered the greatest contribution of this investigation.

A study to gain insights into Why there is a shortage of Registrars in the Medical Directorate of a Non Dublin Academic Teaching Hospital

Abstract: The retention of high quality NCHD’s is essential for the reform of the Irish Health Services and a critical component of hospital performance and quality patient care (Humphries, 2015). This research topic relates to the academic area of Talent Management which recognises that the success of any health service is dependent on “the appropriate number of specialist, who possess the required skills and competencies to deliver high quality and safe care, and whose training is matched to the model of healthcare delivery in Ireland regardless of location” (HSE, 2015; Humphries, 2015).The economic downturn had a significant impact on both individual doctor’s working lives and retention in Ireland which has impacted hospitals around the country. This study found “the acquisition and transfer of knowledge and skills for the purpose of career development” (Guth et al, 2008 p. 830). However, it also found that if external factors are not present dissatisfaction will occur which has will impact filling vacant posts. The researcher conducted a semi-structured focus group and a semi-structured interview with a Consultant Physician in order to gain insight into what attracted them to the hospital and what influenced their decision to stay or leave. The overall result showed that working conditions, career progression and mobility were key factors in the retention of doctors. A two tiered training system of training and non-training posts was a key factor in intention to leave. The main factors that influenced doctors staying were work life balance, remuneration and completing Membership of the Royal College of Surgeon in Ireland exams which would make them eligible for Higher Specialist Training. The consultant outlined that “retention was an issue at national level and attraction was an issue at local level”. Further he outlined that a lot of factors relation to the retention of doctors “were out of our control”, however, for the ones that were within our control he recommended reviewing working condition in the form of twelve hour rosters.

The Influence of Social Environment on Employees’ Work Life Balance in the Insurance Industry

Abstract: The insurance sector is one of the largest growing service providers in the country. Due to global dynamics and changes in the environment, emerging trends have continued to be experienced in the industry which employs a large number of workers who are unable to balance between work life and personal life. According to the African Reinsurance Corporation, the year’s 2013 and 2014 the insurance industry experienced major changes due to emerging trends which led to low insurance uptake which in turn increased the number of casualties for insurers firms and reinsuring companies in Nairobi. There was an increase in acquisitions and mergers in this industry so as to remain afloat and competitive. This study explored the Influence of Social Environment on Employees’ Work Life Balance in the Insurance Industry. Apparently, very little research has been carried out in Kenya on this. The study drew samples from Nairobi County as the area is more open to research, and is the concentration centre for most insurance companies in Kenya. In this research 47 insurance companies in Nairobi County were studied. All insurance companies were covered so as to ensure that a high level of data was accurately obtained. Data was collected using questionnaires which had both open and closed ended questions. SPSS was used to ensure accurate evaluation and presentation. The study found that influence of social environment positively influences the employees’ work life balance in the insurance industry. The study recommends that the management should consider social environment in their organisation which will help to improve home life interfere with responsibilities at work such as getting to work on time.

Promoting Self-Care and Work-Life Balance among Practitioners in Higher Education.

Abstract: Given the changing landscape in higher education, education practitioners are faced with increasing workloads, which in turn is causing an increase in stress-related factors that impede health and wellness, and thus productivity. In response, practitioners in modern higher education settings must adopt a commitment to self-care that focuses on the body, mind, and emotions, along with a healthy work-life balance, in order to not succumb to the negative impacts of stress in the workplace. In this article, we define various types of stress and related impacts; identify common stressors in the workplace; suggest strategies to enhance self-care and work-life balance; and summarize implications for practitioners in higher education.