Exploring the Challenges for Work-Life Balance among Married Female Nurses

Abstract

The topic of Work-Life Balance (WLB) is highly significant in today's fiercely competitive world, and it is a challenge that is critical to be balanced. The principal aim of this research endeavor is to discern and delineate the multifaceted challenges intrinsic to the delicate equilibrium of work and personal life that confront married female nurses employed in government hospitals across Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the problem statement guiding this scholarly investigation is oriented toward the identification and comprehensive analysis of the obstacles and impediments intertwined with harmonizing the demands of their professional nursing responsibilities with their personal lives, emphasizing the distinctive context of the Sri Lankan government hospital setting. To achieve this, the researchers conducted a mixed study design that involved the collection of primary data through questionnaires and interviews. Convenience sampling was used to gather quantitative data and the Purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample for qualitative data. The sample size was 384 for the quantitative data and the sample for the qualitative study was determined by the saturation level of 12 married female employees. The findings of the study revealed that the major challenges of WLB faced by married female nurses are time management, work stress, multitasking, and personal issues. Key recommendations of this study are implementing supportive legislation and initiatives to aid nurses in work-life balance, providing support systems, flexibility, and family-friendly policies, promoting balance strategies, continuing research for tailored solutions, and acknowledging the societal importance of work-life balance for married female nurses.