Work-life Balance Issues Research Articles

“Navigating The High-Stress World Of IT: Strategies For Managing Work Pressure”

The IT industry is characterized by rapid change and high demands, often resulting in significant stress for professionals. The fast-paced and demanding nature of the IT industry often leads to significant work-related stress. The IT industry is marked by high levels of stress due to rapid technological advancements, demanding project timelines, and the complexity of problem-solving. Professionals face the challenge of continuous learning to keep pace with evolving technologies while managing the expectations for immediate results. The omnipresence of connectivity exacerbates work-life balance issues, often leading to burnout. Additionally, the pressure to ensure cybersecurity and navigate team dynamics adds further strain. This article explores these stressors, highlighting their impact on IT professionals and emphasizing the need for effective coping strategies to foster resilience and well-being in a high-pressure environment. This article also offers practical strategies for managing work-related pressure. Key approaches include prioritizing tasks, establishing boundaries, and fostering open communication within teams. Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, physical activity, and continuous skill development are emphasized as vital for maintaining well-being. By adopting these strategies, IT professionals can enhance their resilience, boost productivity, and cultivate a healthier work-life balance, effectively navigating the complexities of their fast-paced field

A Study On Effects Of Work-Life Balance And Women Employees Job Productivity In It Organizations

This study examined just at work-life balance and women productivity in only few IT sectors in Chennai. The study was stimulated by the IT sectoring industry's high rate of work-life unequal distribution. The study specifically examined the impact of workload pressure, role conflict, family stress, and work flexibility on female productivity. The relevant conceptual, theoretical, and empirical literatures were investigated. This work examined the work life balance and ladies productivity in selected IT sectors in Chennai city. The study was necessitated by high rate of work-life unbalance in the IT sectoring industry. Specifically the study determined the effect of workload pressure, role conflict, family stress and Work flexibility on ladies productivity. Relevant conceptual, theoretical and empirical literatures were examined. A total of fifteen IT sectors were studied, and the population of study was 2021, with the sample size of total sample size evaluated using the statistical formula SPSS. The research also revealed that family stress has a significant impact on female productivity. The study concluded that work load pressure, role conflict, and family-related stress all have a negative impact on female productivity. According to the study, people should relax in ways that do not interfere with their work; it can be an efficient way to recover from identified work-life balance issues. Management must take note of the volume of work assigned to women in order to deal with work-life balance issues in the workplace. Management must act immediately to rectify the issue; work should be delegated accordingly to ensure that no one is overloaded. Ladies should be given appropriate breaks and vacation time.

A Study On Effects Of Work-Life Balance And Women Employees Job Productivity In It Organizations

This study examined just at work-life balance and women productivity in only few IT sectors in Chennai. The study was stimulated by the IT sectoring industry's high rate of work-life unequal distribution. The study specifically examined the impact of workload pressure, role conflict, family stress, and work flexibility on female productivity. The relevant conceptual, theoretical, and empirical literatures were investigated. This work examined the work life balance and ladies productivity in selected IT sectors in Chennai city. The study was necessitated by high rate of work-life unbalance in the IT sectoring industry. Specifically the study determined the effect of workload pressure, role conflict, family stress and Work flexibility on ladies productivity. Relevant conceptual, theoretical and empirical literatures were examined. A total of fifteen IT sectors were studied, and the population of study was 2021, with the sample size of total sample size evaluated using the statistical formula SPSS. The research also revealed that family stress has a significant impact on female productivity. The study concluded that work load pressure, role conflict, and family-related stress all have a negative impact on female productivity. According to the study, people should relax in ways that do not interfere with their work; it can be an efficient way to recover from identified work-life balance issues. Management must take note of the volume of work assigned to women in order to deal with work-life balance issues in the workplace. Management must act immediately to rectify the issue; work should be delegated accordingly to ensure that no one is overloaded. Ladies should be given appropriate breaks and vacation time.

Subjective well-being perceptions of Portuguese Public Relations practitioners: a gender and stages of life analysis

PurposeThis research aims to explore perceptions of subjective well-being (SWB) in public relations (PR) practitioners, focusing on dimensions of job satisfaction, networking, relationships and work–life balance, while addressing the under-researched area of gender and age – related to stages of life – disparities in SWB within the PR industry.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, this study utilised a survey, followed by semi-structured interviews to investigate SWB among PR professionals in Portugal, considering gender and stages of life differences.FindingsUsing a gendered and stages of life lens, this study found nuanced perceptions of SWB among Portuguese PR professionals. Older women showed higher emotional well-being but lower work evaluations than men, while young professionals exhibited less gender disparities in SWB. Men reported greater job satisfaction, emphasising passion, while women faced challenges like work overload and valued recognition. Gender differences were seen in networking, with men favouring teamwork and women valuing friendships for career advancement. Work–life balance issues, especially among older women, related to mental health.Originality/valueThis study contributes to filling the research gap regarding SWB in the PR industry, particularly in Portugal, offering insights into gender and stages of life dynamics that influence SWB perceptions, thereby informing strategies for enhancing well-being and productivity in PR workplaces.

Multiple Role Conflicts In The Employment Field In Indonesian Government Agency Institutions with Work Life Balance (WLB) and Job Stress As Mediator Variables on Employee Performance

Work-life balance issues are an important aspect of the psychology of happiness, which is determined by a strong sense of self-worth, satisfaction, and a variety of life-affirming relationships. This study aims to explore how dual role conflicts affect employee performance in the Manpower Office (Disnaker) in Indonesia, by considering the role of work-life balance (WLB) and work stress as mediator variables. The research method used involved collecting data from 154 employees in the disnaker through questionnaires and interviews. The data was then analyzed using statistical analysis techniques to identify the relationship between multiple role conflicts, WLB, work stress, and employee performance. The results showed that dual role conflict had a significant effect on WLB and work stress, but did not affect employee performance levels. Meanwhile, work stress and WLB cannot mediate the dual role with performance. This research provides important insights for human resource management in government agencies to develop policies and programs that support the balance between work and personal life of employees. An emphasis on managing multiple role conflicts and work stress in the work environment can improve employee well-being as well as the overall effectiveness of the organization. The practical implications of this study are the importance of appropriate interventions to improve the working conditions of employees in the public sector, while improving quality public services.

A Local Gender Equality Plan - A Modern Human Resources Development Tool

The implementation of equal opportunities is a challenge for the staff of an anaesthesia department. At the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine at Hannover Medical School, a local Gender Equality plan has been implemented to create a secure and transparent framework for reconciling scientific and clinical careers with family responsibilities. Today, family and career should be equally compatible for men and women. Unfortunately, in medical professions it is often still an either/or decision. At the same time, it is important to offer an attractive workplace in view of the increasing shortage of qualified staff. In order to provide equal opportunities for all employees and to increase satisfaction, it is necessary for employers to address the issues of equality and work-life balance, to identify challenges and to create structures for improvement.

Achieving sustainable development goals for mental health and gender equality through work-life balance and emotional intelligence

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between work-life balance and the mental health of Indian managers and to explore the moderating role of emotional intelligence (EI) and gender. Design/methodology/approach Work-life balance scale (Hayman 2005), Mental Health Inventory (Viet and Ware, 1983) and EI scale (Wong and Law, 2002) were administered to 202 (102 males and 100 females) Indian managers. Based on the Conservation of Resource theory, a theoretical model has been designed and hypotheses were tested by descriptive, correlation and moderation analysis. Findings The results of this study indicated that work-life balance is positively correlated with psychological well-being and mental health, while negatively correlated with the psychological distress of managers. EI has emerged as a potential moderator that positively influences the relationship between work-life balance and the mental health of managers. At the same time, gender did not show any moderating effect. Research limitations/implications This research has theoretical, practical as well as social implications. Practical implications This study is aligned with SDG 3 and SDG 5 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2023. This paper provides valuable inputs in promoting mental health at the workplace and formulating gender-neutral work-life balance policies and programs in Indian organizations. Social implications This study is aligned with SDG 3 (Health and well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender equality) of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2023. Originality/value This study is an empirical research paper backed by a sound theoretical framework, which addresses the work-life balance and mental health issues of managers and highlights the positive role of EI in managing their personal and professional lives in a low gender-egalitarian Indian work–family culture.

A Study of the Work-life Balance of Virudhunagar District's Teaching Professionals in the Arts and Science Colleges

The teaching staffs of the scientific and arts institutions in the Virudhunagar District participated in the study. This study aims to investigate the difficult obstacles respondents had in juggling their personal and work lives. The primary data for the study are used. Using the random sampling approach, 150 respondents made up the sample. This study has looked at the several elements that respondents' work-life balance is affected by. The goal of the current study is to comprehend the respondents' socioeconomic profile, opinions regarding their careers, work-life balance, and the factors that influence these factors as well as the results of work-life imbalances. The respondents' perspective of how work-life balance affects life happiness, as well as the effects of work-life balance on individuals psychological, social, familial, and environmental perspectives. The poll also aims to gauge respondents' attitudes toward managing work-life balance. The relevant hypotheses have been framed as the relational basis's focus in order to address the objectives. These hypotheses test whether there are significant differences among working women regarding their work-life balance issues, the impact of work-life balance, the outcome, and the method of managing work-life balance-related aspects. The relevant statistical tools that are used for this purpose include the Chi-Square test, ANOVA, correlation, Garrett Ranking Technique, and factor analysis.

Correlation between diabetes mellitus and depression

Depression is the most prevalent mental health condition. It’s estimated that nearly 5% of adults suffer from this disorder globally. Depression is marked by ongoing sadness and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable or fulfilling. It can also lead to disruptions in sleep and eating patterns. Common symptoms include fatigue and difficulty concentrating. According to WHO diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose which leads to the damage of the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. Nowadays the occurrence of diabetes mellitus, obesity and depression is getting higher and higher. Both conditions stand as prominent health issues in today’s society. Recent pandemic, wars, problems of the current world can cause depression and anxiety disorders. The fast-paced nature of our lives, work-life balance issues, sedentary habits, and time constraints can lead to opting for fast food and neglecting a healthy diet. People with diabetes are more prone to experiencing depression. Moreover, a significant portion of cases remains underdiagnosed.

Work-life balance strategies and employees’ engagement in the food and beverage industry in rivers state

This study explores the nexus between work-life balance (WLB) strategies and employees’ engagement (EE) within the food and beverage (F&B) industry. Employing a quasi-experimental design, data was gathered from 165 employees across selected F&B organizations using a closed-ended Likert-type scale questionnaire. Data analysis via Pearson’s Product Moment correlation (PPMC) statistical technique revealed a positive and significant relationship between the dimensions of work-life balance (WLB) strategies and measures of employees’ engagement (EE) within the food and beverage (F&B) industry. Specifically, the results indicate a robust positive and significant correlation between Work interference with personal life (WIPL) and the measures of employees’ engagement: employees’ emotional engagement (EEE) and employees’ behavioral engagement (EBE), with values ranging from 0.894 to 0.881 respectively. Additionally, personal life interference with work (PLIW) demonstrates a notable positive correlation with the measures of employees’ engagement, attributing to 72.5% to 83.5% of emotional and behavioral engagement, respectively. Furthermore, work enhancement of personal life (WEPL) initiatives and personal life enhancement of work (PLEW) initiatives exhibited very strong positive associations with the measures of employees’ engagement, explaining up to 74% to 85% of emotional and behavioral engagement, respectively. These findings corroborate prior research, highlighting the significance of addressing Work-Life Balance issues to bolster employees’ engagement levels. Practically, the study underscores the importance for managers in the Food and Beverage to prioritize strategies that mitigate work-life interference, such as flexible scheduling and family-friendly policies, to foster higher EE levels. Tailored initiatives and training programs should be implemented to address specific WLB aspects identified within organizations, while fostering open communication channels to identify areas for improvement. By prioritizing WLB and supporting employee well-being, managers can cultivate a more engaged and productive workforce, ultimately contributing to organizational success. Other theoretical and practical implications for promoting WLB and fostering employees’ engagement in the Nigerian workplace are also discussed.

Women in IT: A Work Ecosystem Perspective

ABSTRACT The literature devoted to gender imbalance in the IT industry tends to focus on women’s experiences within organizations. We extend the flexible careers model to account for the role of an IT work ecosystem formed by interconnected organizations and individuals involved in shaping and supporting IT work. Based on a thematic analysis of 46 interviews of women employed in IT roles in New Zealand, we demonstrate that their experiences in negotiating gender discrimination and work-life balance issues are best understood in terms of their interactions with the IT work ecosystem, rather than solely in terms of interactions within individual organizations. The participants identified themselves with the ecosystem and perceived their careers as progressing within the ecosystem. Their experiences were often gendered, but gender dynamics could play to their advantage, such as in steering them toward managerial or sales roles associated with greater power and autonomy than technical roles.

Analysis of Organizational and Family Roles in the Work-Life Balance of Blue-Collar Employees

Objective –Blue-collar workers' work-life balance (WLB) issues have not received enough attention in the literature. This study aimed to examine the impact of organizational support and family support on blue-collar employees’ work-life balance.Design/Methodology –Employees engaged in the RMG industry in Bangladesh were surveyed using a questionnaire. 387 responses were analyzed through the PLS-SEM approach. The instrument and data were validated by a measurement model, and the hypotheses were tested by a structural model using SmartPLS 3.0 software.Results –The study revealed that firm support and home support can significantly influence work-life balance, and firm support can strongly impact an employee's home life. These findings indicated that the policies and practices of RMG companies and support from family members can help employees manage their overall life smoothly.Research limitations/implications - The study was conducted in the RMG industry, which limits the generalizability of its findings. Findings suggested that by introducing employee-friendly corporate policies and human resource practices, RMG companies can assist their employees in solving work-life issues and meeting their personal and family life challenges.Novelty/Originality –This study, for the first time, empirically validated firm support as an antecedent of home support. In addition, the WLB issues of blue-collar employees are focused on in this study, which has been overlooked in the prior studies.

Before, after and beyond the Matzak case: Overview of the Belgian jurisprudence

The Matzak case, a landmark ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), challenged traditional understandings of working time and rest periods, particularly for volunteer firefighters in Belgium. Despite earlier cases before Belgian courts, the Matzak decision brought significant shifts in jurisprudence, influencing how volunteers were categorised and how stand-by time was interpreted. This article examines the impact of the Matzak judgment on Belgian case law, tracing its evolution from pre- Matzak rulings to post-decision interpretations. Analysing decisions from the Court of Cassation and the Constitutional Court, the study explores the redefinition of volunteers as employees and the qualification of stand-by time as working time. The reluctance of Belgian courts to adapt their views on stand-by duty prior to Matzak is highlighted, with persistent adherence to principles established in the Simap case. However, the Matzak ruling prompted questions about the treatment of voluntary firefighters and the adequacy of legal distinctions. Despite initial resistance, subsequent cases challenged previous interpretations, leading to clarifications by the Court of Cassation. Ambiguities remain, as seen in the Simon case, raising concerns about consistent application of Matzak jurisprudence. The unique status of voluntary firefighters in Belgium presents challenges, as they operate in a legal grey area with regards to rights and working conditions. Municipalities are urged to regulate their working time in the absence of general legislation. Nonetheless, the recognition of firefighters as workers by the CJEU offers promise for their legal standing under EU law. Increasing recognition of comparability between volunteers and professionals suggests a move towards more equitable treatment. Looking beyond Matzak, the article explores implications for the evolving digital workplace, where boundaries between work and personal time blur. The Matzak principle, which introduces objective limitations on devotion to personal and social interests, offers a framework for addressing these challenges. By considering potential applications in the digital realm, the article emphasises the importance of protecting worker well-being and rest periods, consistent with the objectives of the Working Time Directive. In conclusion, the Matzak case has had a significant impact on Belgian jurisprudence regarding the working time of volunteer firefighters and the adjudication of stand-by periods. While challenges and ambiguities persist, the ruling has spurred a reassessment of legal frameworks and encouraged greater recognition of the rights of volunteer workers. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the Matzak principle provides a valuable tool for navigating complex issues of work-life balance and ensuring the protection of workers’ rights.

Family, Parenting, and Motherhood: Myth and Reality in Media and Political Discourses and Implications for Social Work

The central focus of this article is how family, parenting, and motherhood are negotiated in media and political discourses. The premise is that these discourses influence social policy and social work practice. In this study 1574 newspaper articles and 251 parliamentary records are investigated by a discourse analysis. Results reveal controversial discourse strands: The »work–life balance issue« is significant in both politics and media, primarily discussed as an issue for mothers, rarely as a couple’s issue, and hardly as a topic concerning fathers. Mothers are expected to be integrated into the labor market due to economic interests but primarily remain mothers. At the same time idealised images of mother-hood persist, although the twofold stress of ideal motherhood alongside work is acknowledged. A stronger integration of fathers in family work is only minimally observed. Economically unattractive care work remains mostly unaddressed, and parenting is not socially situated within the structural con-text. Finally, media and politics strengthen the image of the bourgeois and private family. Parallels can be found in expert discourses on child protection.

Work-Life Balance in SME Sector and Large Enterprises

Abstract The concept of Work-Life Balance (WLB), which involves finding a harmonious equilibrium between work and personal life, has gained considerable importance across the European Union. In 2019, the European Parliament adopted a directive that requires all member states to integrate the principles of WLB, aiming to promote gender equality and fair treatment in the labor market (Directive on transparent and predictable working conditions in the European Union and Directive on work-life balance for parents and carers). This perspective offers significant opportunities and potential, while also posing challenges for entrepreneurs. An analysis of the literature on the subject indicates that the issue of WLB should be analyzed in the context of company size. The main objective of the research is to analyze and evaluate WLB among employees in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large enterprises in Poland. The main results reflect that employees of companies in Poland (both SMEs and large enterprises) indicate a wide range of tools as having, in their opinion, an impact on WLB. Companies in Poland most commonly utilize tools such as flexible working hours and hybrid work. Findings confirm that WLB is less frequently implemented in the SME sector compared to large enterprises, and that employees in large enterprises have a better maintained WLB compared to employees in the SME sector. Implementing WLB is a challenge for the SME sector.

WOMEN IN ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING: A REVIEW OF PROGRESS, CHALLENGES, AND THE PATH FORWARD

This comprehensive review explores the evolving landscape of women in accounting and auditing, shedding light on the progress made, persistent challenges faced, and the promising path forward. Over the past few decades, the accounting profession has witnessed a notable increase in the representation of women, reflecting a broader societal shift towards gender inclusivity. While significant strides have been made in terms of entry into the profession and academic achievements, gender disparities persist, particularly in reaching leadership positions within accounting firms and corporate boardrooms. The review delves into the factors contributing to the progress of women in accounting and auditing, examining initiatives such as mentorship programs, diversity and inclusion policies, and educational outreach. It also highlights the pivotal role of professional organizations in fostering an environment that encourages and supports the career advancement of women in the field. Despite these positive developments, the review identifies persistent challenges, including gender stereotypes, work-life balance issues, and unconscious bias, which continue to impede the full realization of gender equality in accounting. Moreover, the paper explores the implications of the gender gap on the profession's overall effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in ensuring robust financial reporting and auditing processes. The review concludes with a forward-looking perspective, proposing strategies and recommendations for overcoming existing challenges and advancing the role of women in accounting and auditing. This includes targeted mentorship and sponsorship programs, continued advocacy for workplace flexibility, and a commitment to challenging and dismantling systemic barriers. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the status of women in accounting and auditing, offering insights into both the achievements and hurdles they face. By understanding the current state of affairs, stakeholders can collaboratively work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive future for women in the accounting profession.
 Keywords: Accounting, Women, Auditing, finance, Review.

Work-life balance in Greece: A State-of-The-Art Review

In today's working and living conditions, work-life balance (WLB) issues have come more forcefully to the foreground. This paper offers a state-of-the-art review of scholarly research on WLB in Greece from 2011 to 2021. Greece is an interesting case as it had to manage the side effects of a tremendous economic crisis and the disruptions caused by the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The interdisciplinary character and the WLB determinants identified in empirical research are highlighted and discussed. The paper stresses the need to re-examine previous research to better understand WLB under the new realities and orient future research.

Exploration of professional and working conditions among community pharmacists in Gipuzkoa

The purpose of this study is to explore the professional and working conditions of community pharmacists in the province of Gipuzkoa.The methodology employed involved: 1) A discussion with owner pharmacists and associate pharmacists, 2) A survey on satisfaction and work-life balance of pharmacists working in community pharmacies, and 3) Analysis of the reasons for cancelling membership of the association of pharmacists in the last 3 years. Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively.There was evidence of a range of issues including difficulty in recruiting associate pharmacists, unfavourable work-life balance, low job satisfaction and lack of professional development, poor business hours and other working conditions. Owner pharmacists reported a higher level of job satisfaction and work-life balance than associate pharmacists (p<0.001). However, both groups had a poor work-life balance. The issue of work-life balance is seen as being better in pharmacies with continuous business hours, as opposed to those with split (morning/afternoon) hours. Seventy percent (n=67) of pharmacists who cancelled their membership of the association over the last three years moved to another professional domain, particularly education and industry.In-depth deliberation is required into the professional and working situation of pharmacists working in community pharmacies, with a view to positing global strategies to improve job satisfaction and work-life balance.

Effects of Work-Life Balance on Organisational Performance: A Study of Selected Deposit Money Banks in Makurdi Metropolis, Nigeria

This study looked at a few deposit money institutions in the Makurdi Metropolis to see how work-life balance affected organizational performance. The study aimed to accomplish the following goals: to ascertain how work-life balance affects the organizational performance of a few selected deposit banks in Makurdi. The study concentrated on the employees of a few selected deposit money institutions in the 606-person Makurdi metropolis. The Taro Yamane formula was used to calculate the sample size, which resulted in a sample size of 252 people. The study used first-hand information. The major data collection tool was a questionnaire. Regression and correlation analysis were the methods utilized to analyze the data, and the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS 21) was used to assess the hypotheses that were developed. Tables and straightforward percentages were used to portray the raw data that was taken from the primary source. According to the study, certain deposit money banks in the Makurdi metropolis perform significantly better when they have flexible working arrangements, wellness programs, family responsibilities, and work-life conflicts, all of which have beta coefficients of 0.203, 0.468, 0.269, and 0.293, respectively. According to the beta coefficient, wellness programs had the highest beta values, with a beta value of 0.468. In summary, the study found that work-life balance issues, family responsibilities, and flexible work schedules all benefited certain deposit money institutions in the Makurdi metropolis. The study’s ultimate finding is that effective wellness initiatives offered by banks are essential for raising staff productivity and organizational effectiveness.

On the issue of work-life balance for employees

On the issue of work-life balance for employees