Abstract
Work-life balance in the context of this study refers to the allocation of the right proportion of time to the various demands of the personal and professional lives, leading towards the equilibrium in life. One of the huge changes noted in the conventional society of Pakistan is the increased female labour force participation in the labour market. Along with the traditional role of the homemaker, women have now assumed the role of the earning member of the family as well. This additional role of the breadwinner puts an incredible strain on the women to balance their work and family responsibilities. This study endeavours to investigate how factors related to work and family domains impact the work-life balance of female academics. This study is established on the qualitative paradigm garnering responses from the 18 female academics employed in the universities in Lahore, Pakistan through semi-structured in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the data. Narratives reveal four major themes: Work-life balance experiences, Family and faculty life challenges, Social support and Work-life balance strategies. The findings of the study have important managerial implications for employers, policymakers, working women, their families in Pakistan and other societies with similar contexts.
Keyword(s)
Work-Life Balance, qualitative study, Female Academics, Homemaker, Pakistan