Search Results (66)

Work–life balance (WLB) is central to sustainable social and economic development, as reflected in the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 5, and 8. The purpose of this article is to identify and examine the key organisational and personal factors influencing the perceived work–life balance of employees in rural areas. The theoretical framework is grounded in three complementary approaches: the job demands–resources (JD-R) model, spillover theory, and boundary theory. Together, they offer a comprehensive perspective on role dynamics in the context of limited resources, technostress, and family-related tensions. The study was conducted on a sample of 700 rural employees in Poland, predominantly women (60.6%), with the majority aged 35–55 years (53.0%). Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analysed using an exploratory approach based on regression trees (CART), which are effective in identifying latent and multidimensional relationships. The findings highlight the mechanisms underlying WLB disruptions in rural contexts and pinpoint areas for intervention through public and organisational policies aimed at supporting employee well-being. The most influential factors were workplace comfort, work flexibility, time autonomy, and employee age. Notably, younger employees require better working conditions than older ones to achieve similar WLB levels. The CART analysis also indicates that some disadvantages, such as low workplace comfort, can be mitigated by more flexible work schedules. Employers should therefore provide multidimensional support through complementary measures, monitor job demands, and educate employees on the effective use of available resources. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe and examine reconciliation strategies for reconciling work and informal care that are aimed at different types of working carers (carers of the following: family members with dementia; partners; children under 18; adult children; parents; other family members). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to examine structural strategies for a work–care balance throughout the caregiving period, followed by the frequency of the use of strategies in the last 12 months to better understand what is an effective work–care balance strategy for different working carer types. Hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted in February 2025 on 299 working carers drawn from a representative sample of adult Slovenian residents in an online probability panel. Results: The results show five clusters of carers that clearly indicate their use of reconciliation strategies depends on the national context, the work organisation and employees, the family structure, the value orientation of informal carers, and the type of care recipient. Conclusions: A variety of policy measures are needed to enable informal carers to remain active in the labour market while they care for dependent family members and relatives. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and intensified structural tensions surrounding work−life balance, precarity, and gender inequalities in academia. This paper examines the spatial, temporal, and emotional disruptions experienced by early-career and precarious researchers in Italy during the first national lockdown (March–April 2020) and their engagement in remote academic work. Adopting an exploratory and qualitative approach, the study draws on ten narrative video interviews and thirty participant-generated images to investigate how structural dimensions—such as gender, class, caregiving responsibilities, and the organizational culture of the neoliberal university—shaped these lived experiences. The findings highlight the implosion of boundaries between paid work, care, family life, and personal space and how this disarticulation exacerbated existing inequalities, particularly for women and caregivers. By interpreting both visual and narrative data through a sociological lens on gender, work, and organizations, the paper contributes to current debates on the transformation of academic labor and the reshaping of temporal work regimes through the everyday use of digital technologies in contemporary neoliberal capitalism. It challenges the individualization of discourses on productivity and flexibility and calls for gender-sensitive, structurally informed policies that support equitable and sustainable transitions in work and family life, in line with European policy frameworks. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to explore how stressors and facilitators within the work–family interface (WFI) influence mental health outcomes among farming women in rural Chile. The research sought to identify key relational patterns and contextual determinants shaping psychological well-being in this population. Methods: An exploratory mixed-methods design was employed, involving 41 semi-structured interviews analyzed using grounded theory. Qualitative themes were quantified by calculating the percentage of occurrence per interview, allowing for comparative analysis. Pearson correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to examine associations among WFI dimensions and mental health-related variables. Results: Strong and statistically significant correlations emerged between institutional and community facilitators (r = 0.664, p < 0.01) and between gender facilitators and family workload stressors (r = 0.609, p < 0.01). PCA revealed two distinct patterns: women who rely on institutional support often resist traditional family roles, while others find balance through familial support systems. The gendered distribution of caregiving and productive tasks was a key factor in psychological well-being, with some women reporting physical discomfort linked to triple workloads. Conclusions: The dynamics of the WFI in rural contexts are shaped by both sociocultural and institutional factors. The findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive mental health policies that acknowledge and respond to the lived experiences of farming women. Full article

This study explores homework practices and perceptions among Slovenian fourth-grade students and their parents, using data from PIRLS 2021 and national additions. Homework remains a contentious topic, often debated in terms of necessity and impact. The study examines the degree of parental involvement in their children’s homework, focusing on its association with family socioeconomic status (SES) and students’ reading achievement, as well as the students’ attitudes towards homework. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analyses from reading tests and contextual questionnaires with qualitative insights from open-ended parental responses. The results show that most Slovenian parents actively assist their children with homework, yet frequent involvement correlates with lower reading scores, potentially reflecting increased support for struggling students. Parental motivations emphasize educational purposes, such as reinforcement of knowledge and monitoring progress, and developmental goals like fostering work habits and confidence. Among students, attitudes towards homework are generally positive, with many acknowledging its instructional benefits. However, a significant portion find homework boring or excessive, which negatively correlates with achievement. The study highlights disparities linked to SES, with students from higher SES families demonstrating greater independence and more favorable attitudes. These findings underscore the need for balanced homework practices that consider quality over quantity, individualization in design, and collaborative communication with parents. Implications for policy include fostering autonomy and reducing SES-based inequalities. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the challenges of balancing work and personal life for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. In Spain, during the sixth wave of the pandemic, characterized by a high number of infections and increased healthcare pressure, these challenges became even more pronounced. This study examines how perceived stress, sociodemographic characteristics, and work-related factors influence Work–Life Balance among Spanish nurses in this context. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 305 Spanish nurses using the online Work-Life Interaction Questionnaire (SWING) and the Perceived Stress Scale (EP-10). The findings revealed that higher levels of perceived stress were associated with increased work-to-family conflict. This conflict was further intensified among nurses working rotating shifts. In the reverse direction, from life to work, perceived stress was again a significant factor, and having children contributed to increased negative life-to-work interference. On the other hand, certain variables were linked to more positive interactions. Having a paid caregiver was associated with lower positive work-to-family interaction, whereas religious beliefs were related to more positive experiences in this domain. Finally, being a woman and having children were both associated with greater positive life-to-work interaction. This study offers a vital perspective on the complex Work–Life interaction in nursing during crises, highlighting the urgent need for structural policies that alleviate stress and conflict while enhancing well-being by recognizing the protective role of family and spirituality. These findings open new avenues for designing more effective, responsive interventions for healthcare personnel. Full article

Objectives: There are numerous and varied theoretical gaps in the study of work–family interaction, which limits the understanding and approach to this phenomenon, especially among vulnerable groups such as critical care nursing professionals. In this regard, the objective of this study was to theorize the work–family interaction process among nurses working in Critical Care Units in Chile. Methods: Constructivist grounded theory was employed to conceptualize the phenomenon of interest from the perspectives of nurses, their families, and administrative staff. Data were collected through observations in two high-complexity hospitals in Chile, one public and one private; document analysis; and 51 in-depth interviews. Data analysis was conducted using constant comparisons and multi-level coding. To ensure rigor, the study followed the 13 criteria proposed by Charmaz and Thornberg for constructivist grounded theory studies and was approved by a Scientific Ethics Committee. Results: The reconciliation of work and personal roles emerged as the core process explaining the interaction between work and personal life among nurses in Critical Care Units. This complex and multidimensional process comprised three stages: resisting the war of roles, hitting rock bottom, and reconciling, through which nurses attempt to achieve balance between work and personal roles. Conclusions: We developed a theory that explains the work–family interaction process. The theory developed highlights the importance of an integrated approach that considers both sources of conflict and reconciliation strategies. Addressing this phenomenon effectively requires interventions at the individual, organizational, and public policy levels. Full article

Work is a key social determinant of mental health, and adverse organizational conditions in healthcare settings increase psychosocial risks. Leadership influences workplace well-being, yet its impact on mental health and gender inequalities remains underexplored. Despite the feminization of the health sector, disparities persist in leadership access, role expectations, and work–family reconciliation, exacerbating occupational stress. Aims: This study examines leadership practices in public hospitals, focusing on their relationship with mental health, organizational dimensions (recognition and role stress), and gender disparities. It explores the perspectives of both workers and managers to understand how leadership shapes workplace conditions and well-being. Methods: A qualitative, cross-sectional study was conducted as part of the FONDECYT project 1220547. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 64 workers from public hospitals in Santiago, Chile, including clinical and administrative staff. The analysis supported by Grounded Theory identified key categories: constructive and destructive leadership, recognition, role stress, and gender disparities in leadership. Results: Constructive leadership—characterized by communication, fairness, and recognition—was linked to a healthier work environment and improved well-being. In contrast, destructive leadership (characterized by abuse of power and imposition, or inaction, lack of support, and absence of effective direction) contributed to role stress, workplace mistreatment, and job dissatisfaction. Recognition was a crucial but insufficient motivator, as the lack of formal mechanisms led to frustration. Role stress emerged as a significant risk for well-being, with subordinates experiencing overload, ambiguity, and conflicting expectations. Gender inequalities persisted as women faced more tremendous barriers to leadership and difficulties balancing work and family responsibilities. Workers and managers had differing perspectives, with subordinates prioritizing fairness and recognition while managers emphasized operational constraints. Conclusions: Leadership training should emphasize trust, equity, and recognition to enhance workplace well-being. Institutional policies must address role stress, strengthen formal recognition systems, and promote gender equity in leadership. Future research should integrate quantitative methods to explore leadership’s impact on organizational conditions and mental health outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: As a result of demographic change in Germany, the number of people in need of care is steadily increasing, with a correspondingly larger proportion of care being provided by family members at home. Family caregivers face significant challenges in providing such care, particularly when balancing work responsibilities. Many experience a loss of income due to reduced working hours or the necessity of leaving the labor market. Additional caregiving costs, such as medical expenses, transportation, and home modifications, further exacerbate their financial burden. Methods: This study consists of an online survey, which included the German version of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT), designed to assess the support needs of family caregivers. Respondents were asked to describe their support needs in open-text responses. To illustrate their experiences, a qualitative content analysis was conducted. Results: Out of the 320 questionnaires, 304 of them contained open-text responses that could be analyzed. Important themes included the need for support in the workplace, financial security, and assistance with administrative barriers. In addition to more flexible working hours and greater understanding from employers, the need for financial compensation for loss of working time was expressed. Conclusions: Despite a growing awareness of the gaps in support, the needs of family caregivers remain inadequately addressed, leaving them financially burdened and unsupported. Ultimately, this study calls for a re-evaluation of societal attitudes toward caring, arguing for greater recognition of the economic contributions of family caregivers and the implementation of supportive policies. Full article

With the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the working environment, employees’ AI awareness, defined as the extent to which they perceive their job could be replaced by AI, may correlate with their feelings, work–family balance, and emotional status. This study explores the mediation mechanism underlying the association between AI awareness and emotional exhaustion, mediated by job insecurity and work interference with family. Using a sample of a total 303 employees (male = 49.8%), this study conducts regressions with the Bootstrap method for mediation mechanism exploration. AI awareness positively predicts emotional exhaustion. AI awareness positively predicts job insecurity, which in turn positively predicts emotional exhaustion. AI awareness positively predicts work interference with family, which in turn positively predicts emotional exhaustion. Job insecurity and work interference with family serially mediate the association between AI awareness and emotional exhaustion. The findings emphasize the importance for company managers to address job security concerns and support work–life balance by positioning AI as a significant workplace stressor that leads to emotional exhaustion. Practical implications include the need for transparent communication, retraining programs, and flexible work policies to mitigate AI-related stress and promote employee well-being. Full article

This study examines the economic activities of married women aged 20 and above after the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on variations across income levels. Using data from the 2022 Social Survey by Statistics Korea, which includes a nationally representative sample of over 38,000 individuals from 19,000 households, this study investigates the determinants of married women’s participation in economic activities and their impact on life satisfaction. Key variables, including employment status, income level, and life satisfaction, are measured using validated survey instruments. Hierarchical and multiple regression analyses are employed to assess how income levels moderate these effects, while correlation analysis is conducted to address multicollinearity concerns and ensure the robustness of the results. Findings indicate that income level has a significant but varying influence on the relationship between economic participation and life satisfaction. Lower-income women exhibit greater sensitivity to employment status in terms of life satisfaction, whereas higher-income women’s satisfaction is more influenced by social status and cultural factors. Additionally, education and household conditions emerged as critical determinants of economic engagement across different income groups. These results underscore the need for income-specific policy interventions to support married women’s workforce participation post-pandemic. However, as this study relies on cross-sectional survey data, causality cannot be definitively established. Policymakers should consider differentiated strategies that address financial constraints, work–family balance, and cultural expectations to foster greater economic inclusion. Full article

This comparative study examines how geographic isolation and out-migrant motivations shape support systems in two aging, depopulated rural areas of Japan: Shimogo Town and Nanmoku Village. Challenging the prevailing policies’ focus on internal migration as the primary solution for regional revitalization, we highlight the “relationship population”—a specific group of out-migrated family members who maintain ties to their hometowns—and their diverse contributions to rural sustainability. We employed a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative analyses of aging-oriented household survey questionnaires (using multiple correspondence analysis, multinomial logistic regression, k-means, and two-step cluster analysis) and qualitative analyses of interviews with local government officials and residents (case studies in Nanmoku). Our analysis reveals contrasting support patterns: Shimogo exhibits a localized system driven by resident needs, while Nanmoku employs a strategic approach balancing practical support and community engagement. These findings underscore the limitations of one-size-fits-all migration policies and indicate the need for strategies tailored to the local characteristics of each community. By recognizing the diverse motivations behind hometown visits and the contributions to both residents and communities from the “relationship population”, this research advocates shifting the focus from promoting migration to the interplay of family ties, local support systems, and the agency of residents and out-migrated families. This perspective offers actionable insights for policymakers, local leaders, and researchers working on rural revitalization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Burnout is a critical concern among healthcare professionals, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated burnout levels among forensic medicine and pathology personnel at three distinct phases: the early pandemic period (Phase 1—September 2020), the peak of the pandemic (Phase 2—October 2021), and the post-pandemic period (Phase 3—October 2024). Methods: A total of 37 participants employed in forensic medicine and pathology departments completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to assess within-subject differences over time. Normality and sphericity were tested using the Shapiro–Wilk test and Mauchly’s test, with the Greenhouse-Geisser correction. Post hoc Bonferroni-adjusted comparisons identified significant differences, and partial eta squared (η²) was reported for effect sizes. Results: Results showed significant fluctuations in burnout levels across the three phases. Emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment peaked during Phase 2, with slight reductions observed in Phase 3. Gender differences were evident, with females reporting higher EE levels and males exhibiting higher depersonalization across all phases. Marital and parental status also influenced burnout levels, with unmarried individuals and those without children showing higher burnout scores. Medical doctors experienced the highest burnout levels among professional roles, while auxiliary staff showed significant challenges in the PA subscale. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic was pivotal in exacerbating burnout levels due to increased workload, crisis decision-making, and emotional toll. Although the sample size is limited, these findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted interventions to mitigate burnout among forensic and pathology personnel, especially during healthcare emergencies. Gender-based differences in burnout suggest the necessity of specific workplace well-being strategies, while the protective role of family status demonstrates the importance of work-life balance policies. The persistence of psychological distress after a medical crisis calls for long-term monitoring and support programs. There is a need for improved workload distribution, peer support networks, and mental health training to build resilience among forensic and pathology personnel. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing and predicting the frequency of depressive experiences among married working women in South Korea in the post-COVID-19 period (2022–2023). It examines how alterations in circumstances and the complex difficulties encountered by this demographic group may have shaped their depressive experiences. Through a comparative analysis of the group reporting depressive experiences and the group reporting no depressive experiences, the study delineates the factors influencing depressive experiences within the former group and the predictive factors within the latter group. The findings offer a comprehensive understanding of the factors that may contribute to mental health outcomes within this population. Methods: This study utilized data from the ninth wave (2022–2023) of the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families, conducted by the Korean Women’s Development Institute. The study included a total of 1735 participants. A zero-inflated negative binomial regression model was applied to analyze the frequency of depressive experiences and the influencing and predictive factors. Results: Among the participants, 38.9% reported no depressive experiences. The count model analysis revealed that subjective health status, physical activity, thoughts about husband, family decision-making, and work–family balance were significant factors associated with the frequency of depressive experiences. In the logistic model, key predictors for those without depression included the spouse’s education, physical activity, satisfaction with the spouse’s housework, and happiness with marital life. Conclusions: These findings provide essential empirical evidence for the development of targeted policies and interventions aimed at mitigating and preventing depression problem among married working women. Full article

Background: While previous studies have shown that occupational choices are influenced by traditional gender perceptions, little is known about gender’s role in choosing self-employment among family physicians. Family medicine, with its emphasis on holistic and integrative attitudes that align with independent practice characteristics, presents a unique context for examining gender-related decisions in choosing self-employment. Objectives: To examine the role of gender in family physicians’ transition to self-employed practice, focusing on gender differences in motivations and considerations for this career choice, and to analyze how traditional gender roles manifest in professional decision-making among highly educated medical professionals. Methods: A qualitative study based on in-depth interviews was conducted with 27 self-employed family physicians in Israel who recently chose to start independent practice rather than remaining salaried physicians in Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). Interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis with a gender-sensitive approach. Results: Despite their advanced education and professional status, female family physicians tended to maintain traditional gender patterns in their professional choices. Women emphasized work–family flexibility as a primary consideration and expressed less confidence in financial management self-efficacy, often delegating these responsibilities to their spouses. In contrast, male family physicians displayed traditionally “feminine” characteristics in their professional approach, including emphasis on holistic care and family involvement. Male physicians also cited work–life balance and the opportunity for a more comprehensive, biopsychosocial approach to patient care as key factors in choosing family medicine and self-employment. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the complexity of gender roles in family physicians’ professional choices, revealing both persistence of traditional gender roles among women and different patterns among men. While male physicians displayed characteristics traditionally identified as feminine, these patterns may reflect both gender role evolution and generational shifts towards work–family integration and collaborative patient care. This study highlights how gender and generational factors shape career decisions in primary care, with implications for medical education and healthcare organization policies. Full article