WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND JOB PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN ACADEMICS IN SELECTED UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The emergence of the Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic disturbed socio-economic activities in both formal and non-formal education globally. Working from home was unavoidable and it affected academics’ work-life balance, thereby compromising academic performance. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between work-life balance and the job performance of women academics post-COVID-19 pandemic in selected universities. The study utilised the positivist philosophy, the quantitative research approach, and the correlational research design. A sample size of 148 participants was determined using the Raosoft sample size calculator from a population of 231 women academics from selected universities. Stratified and purposive sampling were used to select the participants. To collect data, an online self-administered questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale was utilised. The data were analysed using regression analysis with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0. The study findings showed that there is a significant relationship between work-life balance and job performance. The study recommends an employee-centric approach to the development of work-life balance policies and initiatives that not only accommodate academic staff, but also recognise and address the unique challenges faced by all women in managing their dual responsibilities.