work life balance, a research paper
TRANSCRIPT
Title of the paper: A study of the Work- Life Balance among the Academics of Higher Education Institutions: A Case
Study of Golaghat district, Assam.
Paper Prepared By:
DR. JATINDRA NATH SAIKIA.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR,
DEAPRTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT,
GOLAGHAT COMMERCE COLLEGE,
JYOTI NAGAR, GOLAGHAT,
PIN: 785 621,
ASSAM
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 91-9435151015
A study of the Work Life Balance among the Academics of Higher Education Institutions: A Case Study of Golaghat
District, Assam.
Dr. Jatindra Nath Saikia.
Introduction: Work –Life balance is about people having a measure of control over when, where
and how they work. It is achieved when an individual’s right to a fulfilled life inside and outside paid
work is accepted and respected as the norm, to the mutual benefit of the individual, business and society.
Work Life balance has always been a concern of those interested in the quality of working life and its
relation to broader quality of life (Guest, 2002). The articulation of work and life, cast as work-life
balance, has become a key feature of much current government, practitioner and academic debate
(Eikhob, Warhurt & Haunschild, 2007). It is believed that balancing a successful career with a personal
or family life can be challenging and impact on a person’s satisfaction in their work and personal life’s
roles (Broers, 2005). Dundas(2008) argues that Work Life balance is about effectively managing the
juggling act between paid work and all other activities that important to people such as family
community activities, voluntary works, personal development and leisure and recreation. The ability to
balance between workplace’s needs and personal life’s need is perceived as an important issue among
workers globally and academics in higher education institutions were not excluded (Mohd Noor, Stanton
& Young, 2009).
Educational institutions are regarded as knowledge industry and these are related to creation of
knowledge. All other activities and industries will be meaningless if knowledge is not created by some
institutions or people. The persons engaged in creation and imparting knowledge are very important
ones for all societies and countries in the world. Effectiveness and efficiency of these persons depend
upon the balance of their work life and family and personal life. People engaged in imparting higher
education have to play a vital role in every society. Assam, which is a state of India and Golaghat
district of Assam are not exceptions in this regard.
In this paper an endeavour has been made to discuss about how the balance of the work life and family
life of the academics working in the higher education institutions in Golaghat district of Assam can help
to be effective and efficient in their performance.
Review of Literature relating to Work-Life Balance: Work-life balance has important consequences
for employee attitudes towards their organizations as well as for the lives of employees (Scholaris &
Marks, 2004). Guest (2002) believes that it is possible to investigate the trend of work-life balance and
its developments which influence the well-being and job outcomes of employees at work. The issues
relating to maintaining and obtaining a work-life balance have received substantial attention over recent
years (Deery, 2008) but less attention, however, has been given to find the reality of work-life balance
satisfaction in the higher educational sector (Doherty & Manfredi, 2006; Mohd Noor & Amat, 2010;
Mohd Noor, Stanton & Young, 2009). Nevertheless, we need to understand the definition underlying
work-life balance concepts. Defining the concept of WLB is a complex task, as it can be viewed from
the meaning of ‘work’, ‘life’ and ‘balance’ (Deery, 2008). Dundas (2008) argues that work-life balance
is about effectively managing the juggling act between paid work and all other activities that are
important to people such as family, community activities, voluntary work, personal development and
leisure and recreation. Greenhaus, Collins and Shaw (2003) define work-life balance as the extent to
which an individual is equally engaged in – and equally satisfied with – his or her work role and family
role. Thus, employees who experience high work-life balance are those who exhibit similar investment
of time and commitment, to work and non-work domains (Virick, Lily & Casper, 2007). Numerous
studies have been done on searching the association between work-life balance and attitudinal job
outcomes such as job satisfaction and organizational commitment (see Doherty and Manfredi 2006;
Kinnie, Hutchinson, Purcell, Rayton and Swart 2005; Scholarios & Marks, 2004; Virick, Lily & Casper,
2007; Youngcourt, 2005; Zin, 2006). For instance, Virick et al. (2007)’s study on layoff survivors in a
high tech company found that work-life balance is positively related to job satisfaction. Howard,
Donofrio and Boles (2004) in a study among police personnel concluded that work-family conflict
which reflects work-life balance issue is significantly related to satisfaction with job. In a study of the
links between employees satisfaction with HR practices and their affective commitment to the
organisation, Kinnie et al. (2005) found that work-life balance are associated with the organisational
commitment of all employee groups. Furthermore, the authors found that there is some evidence that
company efforts to help employees achieve a balance between work and home life is linked to the
commitment of all groups of employees. The extant literature on the subject of work-life balance tends
to make numbers of assumptions and one of those is that improving an organization’s work-life balance
leads not only to greater productivity but to greater company loyalty and low level of intent to leave the
organization (Moore, 2007). Noor and Maad (2008) in their study among marketing executives found
that work-life conflict have a significant positive relationship with turnover intentions.
Objective of the paper: The main objective of the paper is to analyze the impact of work-life balance of
the academics of higher education institutions of Golaghat district of Assam.
Methodology:
a) Population: The population for the study comprises academics from eight colleges affiliated to
Dibrugarh University, Assam imparting higher education. Using a simple random sampling
technique, the researcher has drawn a sample of 76 from the estimated 305 academics working in
the eight colleges. The size of the sample is 25% of the total population which surely represent
the entire population of the institutions situated in the district. The respondents included wide
range faculties of different departments. Among the eight colleges two colleges are of different
nature from the rest. Out these two colleges, one is imparting legal education (Law College) and
another is a post graduate institute of teacher education.
b) Data Collection: In order to collect necessary data a questionnaire has been canvassed and
almost all the academics, who were sent the questionnaire, have responded. The collected data
have been processed by using SPSS software and analysis and interpretation has been done in
descriptive way without resorting to any statistical tool.
Analysis of the data:
About Assam: Assam is situated in the North Eastern Region of India-bordering
seven states viz. Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland,
Tripura and West Bengal and two countries viz. Bangladesh and Bhutan. With a
geographical area of 78,438 sq. kms. i.e., about 2.4 percent of the country’s total
geographical area, Assam provides shelter to 2.2 percent population of the
country. Most of the state’s population lives in the lush and verdant valleys of its
two major river systems in the twenty four districts of the Brahmaputra valley and
the three districts of the Barak valley. Less densely populated are the two hill
districts of karbi-Anglong and the North Cachar Hills, set in the low-lying hills
that separate the two valleys. For administrative and revenue purposes, the state
has 27 districts including Kamrup (Metro) district and four districts under the
Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) areas viz. Baksa, Chirang and Udalguri.
Golaghat district, our study area is situated in the eastern most side of the state
having reputation as an education hub of Upper Assam. As stated above the
colleges covered by this study are situated in Golaghat district of Assam.
Following is an analysis of the collected information of the selected colleges of the
district.
So far as the age of the respondent is concerned it is observed that 47% academics are in the age group
of 30-38 years. The table given below details their age.
Table No-1
Age
Age No of Respondents percentage
Less than 30 years 06 7.9
30-38 years 36 47.4
39-46 years 14 18.4
47-54 years 08 10,5
55-60 years 08 10.5
Total 76 100
It is observed that out of the 76 academics 44.7% is male and 55.3% is female .Following table shows
the number of days engaged in the official works by the academics.
Table No-2
Number of days engaged in official works in a week
No of days No of academics Percentage
5 Days 06 7.9
6 Days 68 89.5
7 Days 02 2.6
Total 76 100
The above table shows that majority of the academics normally have one day off in a week and only
7.9% has to work 5 days in a week.
So far as the number of hours in duty in a day is concerned 65.8% works 6 to 7 hours. The following
table shows the details in this regard.
Table No-3
Number of hours worked in a day
Number of works No of academics Percentage
4-5 hours 18 23.7
6-7 hours 50 65.8
8-9 hours 04 5.3
More than 9 hours 04 5.3
Total 76 100
The above table shows that majority of the academics has to work for 6 to 7 hours in a day, which is
very much normal hours in a workplace. Of course a few of them have to work for long hours too.
All the academics have to work in the general day shift only. It is also observed that out of the 76
respondents covered by our study 84.2% is married and the rest 15.8% is unmarried.
The study found that the respondents have to travel a few hours only in order to reach their work place
and home from the workplace. The table given below has given the clear picture of the same.
Table No-4
No of hours spent in travelling in a day
No of hours Number of respondents Percentage
Less than half an hour 30 39.5
Nearly 1 hour 20 26.3
Nearly 2 hours 20 26.3
More than 2 hours 06 7.9
Total 76 100
It is observed that only 7.9 respondents have to travel more than 2 hours daily which is also not so long
travelling time.
It is found that 48 respondent’s partners are employed and 54 are having children. The table given below
shows the details of the persons who take care of the children of the married couples.
Table No-5
Persons engaged in the Children’s care
Person take care Respondent’s number Percentage
Spouse 18 23.7
In-lows 04 5.3
Parents 12 15.8
Servants 16 21.1
Crèche 04 5.3
Not applicable 22 28.9
Total 76 100
The above table shows that 23.7% respondent’s children are taken care of by their spouse. Next big
figure is 21.1%, whose children are under the care of the servants.
The table given below gives a picture of the number of hours spent by the respondents with their
children.
Table No-6
No of hours spent with their children
No of Hours Number of Academics Percentage
Less than 2 hours 6 7.9
2-3 hours 12 15.8
3-4 hours 14 18.4
4-5 hours 12 15.8
More than 5 hours 10 13.1
Not Applicable 22 28.9
Total 76 28.9
The above table indicated that the time spent by the respondents with their children is different from
each other and there is not so much variations in this regard.
It is observed that the out of the 76 respondents covered by our study 34.2% has to take care of the older
people of their families, 28.9% dependent adults and 7.9% has to take care of their children who are
very young in age. The rest 28.9% does not have anybody to look after.
It is observed that the out of the 76 respondents covered by our study 34.2% has to take care of the older
people of their families, 28.9% dependent adults and 7.9% has to take care of their children who are
very young in age. The rest 28.9% does not have anybody to look after.
It is also found from study that only 7.9% of the total respondents never think about work when they are
not in work. The table shown below gives a picture of this.
Table No-6
How often you worry about work when you are not at work
Reactions No of academics Percentage
Never think about work 06 7.9
Rarely 02
Sometimes 26 34,2
Often 14 18.4
Always 28 36,8
Total 76 100
The study found that only 2.6% of the respondent does not have any comment about their houses of
work, 63.2% is happy with their present allotted working hours.
When asked whether the respondents miss out quality time from families because of work their
responses have been found to be mixed.
Table No-7
Do you miss out quality time from families because of work
Responses No of Respondents Percentage
Never 12 15.8
Rarely 08 10.5
Sometimes 40 52.6
Often 10 13.2
Always 06 7.9
Total 76 100
On the other hand, when asked whether they get depressed or tired because of work 34.2% responded as
never, 31.6% as rarely and 34.2% informed that they feel depressed and tired sometimes.
In order to manage stress of works and other affairs the respondents resort to various methods and these
are given in the following table.
Table-8
How do you manage your stress
Activity No of respondents Percentage
Yoga and Meditation 18 23.7
Entertainment 36 47.4
Music 16 21.1
Others (sports etc.) 06 7.9
Total 76 100
The table given below gives an idea about the aspects which help them in balancing work and life.
Table-9
Aspects help in balancing work –life
Aspects No of respondents Percentage
Flexible starting hours 06 7.9
Flexible finishing hours 06 7.9
Flexible hours in general 26 34.2
Holidays and paid time offs 08 10.5
Job sharing 22 28.9
Time off for family engagement 08 10.5
Total 76 100
The two tables given below have shown some items and aspects help and hinder the work life and
family commitment of the academics covered by the study.
Table No-10
Items & aspects help in balancing the work & family commitment
Items & aspects No of Academics Percentage
Working from home 22 28.9
Technology like Cell Phones and laptops 04 5.3
Being able to bring children to work on occasion 04 5.3
Support from Colleagues at work 22 28.9
Support from family members 24 31.6
Total 76 100
Table No-11
Items & aspects hinder in balancing the work & family commitments
Items & aspects No of respondents Percentage
Technology such as Mobile & laptops 14 18.4
Frequently travelling away from home 14 18.4
Negative attitude from peer &colleagues at work 06 7.9
Negative attitudes of the Principals 10 13.2
Negative attitudes of family members 06 7.9
Not applicable 26 34.2
Total 76 100
From the above analysis it is clear that the academics have to work for a normal working hours which is
neither long nor short. The academics do not have to work either in the evening shift or night shift. They
also do not have to travel a long hours in order to reach their work place and to their residence from the
work place. On the other hand, in case of the majority of academics their spouse takes care of the
children and most of them have sufficient time to spend with their children. It is noteworthy that a large
number of the respondents do not feel depressed for work and a few fell depressed rarely and the equal
number of respondents feels depressed and tired sometime only. There is not a single respondent found
who feel depressed and tired out of works regularly. Almost all the respondents have sufficient time to
fulfill their family commitments and they also have sufficient time to spend time with their families.
The above discussion reveals that the academics covered by our study have a balanced work-life.
Because of their balance work life their efficiency has increased and consequently the colleges have
been able to show very good results in all aspects –both scholastic and non-scholastic. All the colleges
covered by our study have been having very good results of the final year students. One of the colleges
has been rewarded as the Centre of Excellence by the University Grants Commission. More than 50%
colleges of Golaghat district is expected to obtain A Grade from the National Assessment and
Accreditation Council (NAAC) this year.
Conclusion: Just as other sector the Work-life balance for the people working in the education sector
is very much important. Because education sector creates knowledge which is required for all the
sectors. If the people working in education sector do not have a balance work-life, it may be harmful for
all the sectors. Efficiency of the knowledge workers is very much important for the development of a
country. The knowledge workers having work-life balance can show wonderful results which can be
shared by everybody and every section of the society.
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(Dr. Jatindra Nath Saikia is an Associate Professor, Department of Human
Resource Management, Golaghat Commerce College, Golaghat-785 621, Assam,
India. Mobile: 91-94351-51015)
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