The Impact of Marital Status on Work-Life Balance Considering Covid-19 Pandemic at Midlands State University

Abstract

Objectives: Researchers sought to investigate how spousal relationships of employees affect the management of employment commitments and social life responsibilities during the coronavirus pandemic within a state university. Specifically, researchers desired to explore how employees struggled with work-life balance during covid-19 pandemic, ascertain any work-life balance benefits brought about by the covid-19 pandemic among host organisation employees and measure differences between marital status and level of work-life balance of employees. Methods: The study was anchored on multi-methodology research conceptualization, embedded research design, and critical realism paradigm. A sample size of 40 research subjects selected through a controlled quota sampling method was used for the study. Correspondingly, primary data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide and structured questionnaire. The main data analytical tools used were inferential statistics and thematic headings. Results: Available evidence from the study indicates that participants struggled to balance employment commitments and social life responsibilities during the coronavirus pandemic. Telecommuting resources were scarce and stumbling blocks in professional development efforts were faced. The study also revealed that the pandemic helped research subjects to improve their digital skills in the workplace. Conclusions: Given the above observational evidence, the management of the host organization might need to offer sufficient telecommuting resources and a policy framework that guides such flexible work arrangements. A holistic picture of the subject matter can also be understood through a longitudinal study design with a bigger sample size.