WORK–LIFE BALANCE AND JOB SATISFACTION AMONG EMPLOYEES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT

Abstract

Work–life balance has emerged as an important human resource management issue in higher education institutions because employees are increasingly required to manage teaching, research, administrative responsibilities and personal commitments simultaneously. An appropriate balance between work and personal life can contribute to positive employee attitudes, reduced stress and higher job satisfaction. The present study examines the relationship between work–life balance and job satisfaction among employees working in higher education institutions in Tirunelveli District. The study adopted a descriptive and analytical research design and collected primary data from 377 employees of selected higher education institutions in Tirunelveli District. A structured questionnaire was used to measure work–life balance and job satisfaction on a five-point Likert scale. The major dimensions of work–life balance considered in the study were Time Balance, Involvement Balance and Satisfaction Balance. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was employed to establish the measurement model, while Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using AMOS was applied to examine the relationship between work–life balance and job satisfaction. The measurement model demonstrates acceptable reliability, convergent validity and model fit, while the structural model indicates a positive and significant relationship between work–life balance and job satisfaction. The study suggests that higher education institutions should introduce flexible work practices, reasonable workload allocation, supportive supervision, leave facilities and employee welfare programmes to enhance work–life balance and job satisfaction.