Work-life balance in academia: Experiences of lecturers in Switzerland

Lewis, Robert Alan

WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN ACADEMIA: EXPERIENCES OF LECTURERS IN SWITZERLAND

ROBERT ALAN LEWIS

Abstract:

This paper investigates the work-life balance experiences of 11 full-time academic lecturers in Switzerland using a case study approach. Open-ended questions in questionnaires were used to gain depth into academic employees’ understandings of work-life balance, their experiences in the ‘crossover’ of work- and life-related obligations, and their perceptions of work-life conflict and time. Findings emphasised the importance of context, due to increased spatial flexibility when working. Findings also shed light on the effects of work-life balance on professional attributes and career-related factors, when evaluating experiences. Conceptually, findings revealed that perceptions of available time are stretched beyond reasonable boundaries. Further research into academic lecturers’ experiences attempting to meet work- and non-work-related professional obligations from a larger sample using questionnaires, complemented by interviews, could bring further insight into effects of work-life balance experiences.

Keywords:
Academic work, Careers, Work-life balance, Work-life conflict, Time

DOI: 10.20472/BM.2016.4.1.004

PDF:
Download

APA citation:
ROBERT ALAN LEWIS (2016). Work-life balance in academia: Experiences of lecturers in Switzerland. International Journal of Business and Management, Vol. IV(1), pp. 69-84. , DOI: 10.20472/BM.2016.4.1.004