IMPACT OF DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AFFECTING THE WORK LIFE BALANCE AMONG THE FEMALE NON-ACADEMIC STAFF IN A UNIVERSITY IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

A person’s control over the amount of time spent at work and the amount of time spent outside of work is referred to as work life balance (WLB). Work is just one aspect of life. It should not interfere with personal time. When someone works willingly, attains satisfaction, and is bound to succeed not only at work but also in family life, there is WLB. There are various factors of WLB that influence an individual's personal and work life. The purpose of this study was to examine demographic factors and how they affect the WLB of female non-academic staff in the University of Jaffna. The study adopted a non-parametric approach and a cross-sectional survey design was used. A primary data collection, using modified questionnaires was distributed among a sample of 73 management assistants using the simple random sampling technique from a total population of 150. The measuring tool was a modified WLB questionnaire of Hayman (2005) consisting of 15 questions. The questionnaire was pre-tested. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated, which is greater than 0.7, meaning the instrument is reliable. Statistical analysis of Spearman correlation was done using SPSS. The study aims to investigate the relationship between demographic factors such as income, age, experience, number of children, marital status, type of family, and level of education with WLB. The findings showed that there is a significant relationship between WLB and demographic factors. Higher income can provide more financial freedom and options whereas lower income challenges females to meet family needs. More children can complicate WLB due to increased responsibilities and financial strain. Unmarried females have a WLB greater than married women. The type of family structure can significantly influence WLB, in terms of the support received from family members. Nuclear families often experience more stress whereas extended families can provide support to working females. The relationship of age, experience, and level of education is not statistically significant, having values greater than 0.05, which are 0.61, 0.82, and 0.64, respectively.