Exploring Academics' Work-Life Balance and Stress Levels Using Flexible Working Arrangements

Geetha  Subramaniam; Jayalakshmy Ramachandran; Lennora  Putit; Rajeswari Raju

doi:10.21834/ebpj.v5i15.2497

Exploring Academics' Work-Life Balance and Stress Levels Using Flexible Working Arrangements

Authors

Geetha Subramaniam Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia
Jayalakshmy Ramachandran Nottingham University Business School, University of Nottingham, Semenyih, Malaysia
Lennora Putit 3Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia
Rajeswari Raju Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i15.2497

Keywords:

Flexible Working Arrangement, Academics, Work-Life Balance, Stress

Abstract

Flexible working arrangements (FWAs) provide academics a degree of freedom to control their working time, location and method. Academics need to be agile in managing their multiple work roles, but many universities are still not supportive. This research explores whether FWAs can affect academics' work-life balance (WLB) and stress levels. Using a focus group discussion, eight academics were interviewed. Findings reveal that FWAs have a positive impact on WLB and reduce stress levels amongst Malaysian academics. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home (WFH) has become a new normal, paving the way for similar policies to be put in place.

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Published

2020-12-25

How to Cite

Subramaniam, G. ., Ramachandran, J., Putit, L. ., & Raju, R. (2020). Exploring Academics’ Work-Life Balance and Stress Levels Using Flexible Working Arrangements. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 5(15), 469–476. https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i15.2497