The rise in popularity of work-life balance (WLB) as an essential determinant of one’s health, wellbeing and effectiveness in modern society has included research on the WLB of those caring for children with special needs. Most previous studies have however focused on investigating the WLB of parents of children with special needs and consequently, very few studies have looked into the WLB of the professionals who work with these children. The purpose of my study was therefore to close this gap in the literature by gaining some insight into the work-life experiences of professionals who work with special children. The study sought to unearth how work-life balance plays out in these professionals’ lives and also to discover the factors that influence their work-life balance. Another objective was to ascertain the challenges that they face in integrating their work and life domains and to bring to light the strategies that they use to cope with their various work-life demands. An inductive qualitative inquiry carried out through combined phenomenological and autoethnography research design was used to investigate the work-life experiences of a sample of professionals who work with special needs children in therapy, pre-primary and primary schools, in the Gauteng Province in South Africa. Purposive and snowball sampling methods were used to select participants for inclusion in the study. Data was collected through a series of unstructured in-depth interviews, unstructured observations, personal memory and photographs. Seven themes emerged from the findings of the study. The results also indicated that the majority of the sampled professionals who work with special children were experiencing work-life conflict due to the time-based and strain-based conflict that emanated from their work domains. These professionals’ WLB was also found to be mostly influenced by work-related factors as the work domain appeared to be their major source of conflict. The study also unearthed some very interesting and unconventional micro-level WLB strategies used by these professionals in their attempt to achieve greater WLB. An example of such strategies include the use of prayer and faith in God to reduce perceptions of conflict and enhance capacity to deal with life’s adversities. The findings from this study may therefore be used to develop and focus meso and macro level interventions to assist professionals who work with special needs children to better manage the various demands from their life domains. This will in turn ensure a healthier lifestyle for these professionals, which also has positive implications for the developmental outcomes of the children under their care. Moreover, enhancing these professionals’ ability to achieve WLB is anticipated to improve their motivation, satisfaction and retention. / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2019. / Human Resource Management / MCom / Unrestricted

Work-life balance (WLB) is becoming a topic of focus for management, employees, HR specialists and wellness coordinators due to its association to the health, wellbeing and performance of employees. In line with this, the aim of the study was partly to study which initiatives exist for a balance between work and private life in hospitality organizations and partly how employees and managers, respectively, experience its impact on performance. Furthermore, the aim was to find out which strategies, according to employees' and managers' perceived experiences, can enable hospitality organizations to achieve improved employee performance from work-life balance initiatives. The study employed qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews as the data collection tool and thematic analysis. Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory of Motivation-Hygiene was used as the theoretical framework to aid in the analysis of the findings. The findings revealed a positive relationship between WLB initiatives and perceived employee performance in hospitality organizations. Moreover, the study indicated that managers had a positive attitude towards WLB implementation as they alluded that WLB help to improve employees’ performance because it helps employees manage their roles in a better way without stress and burnout. These initiatives (such as paid leaves, work breaks, and flexible scheduling) were found to contribute positively to the performance of employees in terms of increasing their productivity as they help employees to manage their roles in a better way without any stress. The study concluded that the hospitality organizations can enhance work-life balance through the creation of various HR policies, flexible scheduling, paid time off for child care, paid maternity leave, fitness centers, counseling, and training sessions as well as implement programs such as workshops and seminars on time management, stress reduction, efficient job management among other things.

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Studiens utgångspunkt var ett intresse för work-life balance (WLB) och vilka förutsättningar behövs för att nå en balans mellan privat- och arbetsliv. Enligt forskning har antal arbetstimmar en direkt inverkan på individens WLB. Egenföretagare arbetar i genomsnitt fler timmar per vecka än anställda men studier visar att de paradoxalt har högre arbetstillfredsställelse än anställda. Denna studie utgår ifrån tidigare forskning gällande WLB hos egenföretagare. Tidigare forskning beskriver att några av de viktigaste faktorerna för att kunna uppnå WLB är att kontrollera upplägget av sin tid, att vara flexibel i sitt arbete, att själv ha kontrollen samt att nå en jämn fördelning av tiden mellan privat- och arbetsliv. Krav som studien ställde på respondenterna var att de aktivt har valt eget företag som organisationsform efter att tidigare varit heltidsanställda i minst tre år, ha detta som primära inkomstkälla samt inga anställda i företaget. Intresset för studien lades på vilka WLB-faktorer som motiverar till att starta eget samt vilka WLB-faktorer egenföretagare når. Studien utgår ifrån en kvalitativ forskningsmetod med en fallstudie med semistrukturerade intervjuer. Resultatet visar att WLB-faktorerna som motiverar individer till att starta eget företag är att få kontroll över sin framtid, beslutsfattande, sina arbetsvillkor och sin tid samt flexibilitet, personlig och karriärmässig utveckling, potential till att tjäna mer pengar och att ett tillfälle gavs. Resultatet visar vidare att den enda WLB-faktorn egenföretagare når är kontroll.

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No description available.

Malgré que les milieux de travail aient subi plusieurs transformations dans les dernières décennies, les employeurs sont en constante recherche de flexibilité ce qui crée des impacts notamment sur les statuts d’emploi et le temps de travail. Ces changements ont eu pour effet de placer l’enjeu de la conciliation emploi-famille (CEF) au cœur des discussions. Bien qu’il y ait eu du progrès sur le marché du travail concernant la conciliation emploi-famille (CEF) durant les dernières années, certaines problématiques demeurent. La principale problématique étant l’incompatibilité entre les sphères professionnelles et familiales et ces dernières peuvent avoir des répercussions négatives chez les différents acteurs. Cette recherche s’intéresse à l’effet de la présence syndicale sur l’accès à des mesures de CEF et leur efficacité perçue par les professionnel(le)s en ressources humaines. Cette étude quantitative se base sur des données secondaires qui ont été recueillies par Émilie Genin et Mélanie Laroche, professeures à l’École des Relations industrielles de l’Université de Montréal entre 2017 et 2018. La collecte des données a été réalisée en partenariat avec l’Ordre des conseils en ressources humaines et relations industrielles agréés du Québec (CRHA). Notre échantillon est représenté par un total de 249 répondants. Les hypothèses de recherche ont été testées en utilisant des données recueillies auprès de professionnel(le)s en ressources humaines ou en relations industrielles, membres de l’Ordre des CRHA du Québec. Nous cherchions à comprendre si la syndicalisation a un effet sur le nombre de mesures offertes de CEF et si la syndicalisation a un effet modérateur sur la relation entre les mesures de CEF et leur efficacité perçue. Notre modèle d’analyse nous permet de dégager différents constats. Les résultats de la recherche montrent que la syndicalisation n’a pas d’effet sur le nombre de mesures de CEF offertes dans les organisations. Une relation positive a aussi été constatée entre le nombre de mesures de CEF et leur efficacité perçue par les professionnel(le)s en ressources humaines. Finalement, nos résultats montrent que la syndicalisation n’a pas de relation de modération sur la présence de mesures de CEF et leur efficacité perçue. Face à ces constats, nous visons de contribuer à la littérature en se centralisant sur l’effet de la présence syndicale quant à l’accès aux mesures de CEF et leur efficacité perçue. Alors que peu de recherches s’intéressent de manière spécifique à ces éléments, notre étude permet une réflexion quant à l’impact de la présence syndicale sur la CEF. Cette étude sert aussi de référence à tous les employeurs, les syndicats et les gouvernements qui souhaitent mettre au premier plan l’enjeu de la CEF. / Even though workplaces have undergone several transformations in recent decades, employers are constantly looking for flexibility, which has particularly impacted employment status and working time. These changes had the effect of raising the issue of work/life balance (WLB) at the heart of discussions. Although there has been progress in the labor market regarding WLB in recent years, some issues remain. The main one being the incompatibility between the professional and family spheres which can have negative repercussions. This research will examine the effects of union presence on access to WLB measures and their perceived effectiveness by human resources professionals. This quantitative study is based on data collected by Émilie Genin and Mélanie Laroche, professors at the School of Industrial Relations of the University of Montreal between 2017 and 2018. The data was collected in partnership with the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines et relations industrielles agréés du Québec (CRHA). Our data is constituted by a sampling of 249 respondents. The research hypotheses were tested using data collected from human resources or industrial relations professionals, members of the Ordre des CRHA du Québec. In this research, we sought to understand whether unionization has an effect on the number of WLB measures offered in the workplace and whether unionization has a moderating effect on the relationship between WLB measures and their perceived effectiveness. Our model allows us to make various findings. Research results show that unionization has no effect on the number of WLB measures offered in organizations. A positive relationship was also observed between the number of WLB measures and their perceived effectiveness by human resources professionals. Finally, our results show that unionization does not have a moderating relationship on the presence of WLB measures and their perceived effectiveness. We aimed to contribute to the literature by focusing on the effect of union presence on access to WLB measures and their perceived effectiveness. While little research specifically examines these elements, our study allows for reflection on the impact of union presence on the WLB. This study also serves as a reference for all employers, unions and governments who wish to shed some light on the issue of WLB.

Syftet med denna studie är att genom en kvalitativ forskningsmetod söka förståelse för och försöka fånga upplevelser av hur det är att leda det mindre företaget utan HR-avdelning. Studien har haft för avsikt att undersöka hur bland annat bristen på HR-stöd kan upplevas för den relativt ensamma ledaren. Utgångspunkt har tagits utifrån ledarrollen. Runt denna har teorier inhämtats som på något sätt kan knytas till upplevelser i ledningspositionen, från ledningsmodeller till grundläggande socialpsykologiska aspekter. Sex intervjuer har genomförts med fyra män och två kvinnor på högsta chefsnivå inom respektive företag. Varje respondent har olika erfarenheter och utbildningar och representerar vitt skilda branscher. Intervjuerna har spelats in och sedan noggrant transkriberats till text för bearbetning och analys. Analys har genomförts inledningsvis utifrån Grundad teori, där all teori och förförståelse bortsetts ifrån i möjligaste mån för att kategorisera texterna i två steg, i en typ av tematisering. Därefter har intervjusvar kopplats ihop med det teoretiska ramverket och befintlig forskning, och sedan tolkats utifrån detta. Studiens slutsatser pekar på många likheter i upplevelser på de olika företagen. Många utmaningar delas av samtliga och detsamma gäller belöningar. I enstaka fall skiljer de sig åt av olika skäl. Resultaten indikerar att arbetet med människor upplevs som det mest utmanande och krävande, men även som något av det mest positiva. Men det finns orosmoln av lite olika slag beroende på verksamhetssektor. Det finns också stöd utifrån att inhämta för ledaren genom lite olika strategier, enligt respondenterna i studien. Ledarskapet i det mindre företaget utan HR, kan tidvis som studiens titel indikerar upplevas som ensamt. Men behöver inte vara det hela tiden. / The purpose of this study is to, through a qualitative research method, seek an understanding of and try to capture experiences of what it is like to lead the smaller business without an HR department. The study intended to investigate how, among other things, the lack of HR support can be experienced for the relatively solitary leader. The starting point has been taken based on the leadership role. Around this, theories have been gathered that can in some way be linked to experiences in the management position, from management models to basic social psychological aspects. Six interviews have been conducted with four men and two women at the highest management level within each company. Each respondent has different experiences and educations and represents widely different industries. The interviews have been recorded and then carefully transcribed into text for processing and analysis. Analysis has initially been carried out on the basis of Grounded theory, where all theory and pre-understanding is set aside as much as possible in order to categorize the texts in two steps, in a type of thematization. Interview responses have then been connected with the theoretical framework and existing research, and then interpreted based on this. The study's conclusions point to many similarities in experiences at the various businesses. Many challenges are shared by all and the same goes for rewards. In some cases, they differ for various reasons. The results indicate that working with people is experienced as the most challenging and demanding, but also as one of the most positive. But there are clouds of concern of slightly different kinds depending on the business sector. There is also support based on obtaining for the leader through slightly different strategies, according to the respondents in the study. Leadership in the smaller company without HR, as the title of the study indicates, can sometimes be experienced as lonely. But it doesn't have to be all the time.

Organisationen har en betydande roll i medarbetarens livspussel. Det finns mycket att vinna för arbetsgivaren genom att hantera problem och finna lösningar som passar den anställde. Studier av hälsofrämjande interventioner på arbetsplatsen visar att bäst resultat uppnås om interventionen riktar sig samtidigt till både individen och organisationen. Syftet med studien var att beskriva kommunanställda chefers uppfattningar av hur en interventionsstudie, som chefernas medarbetare deltagit i, påverkat arbetsplatsen. Studien syftade även till att söka förståelse för chefernas vidare tankar kring hälsofrämjande arbete på organisationsnivå utifrån ett perspektiv där hela vardagen inkluderas. Metoden som användes vid datainsamlingen var individuella intervjuer. Det genomfördes sex intervjuer med chefer inom socialförvaltningen i en kommun. Resultatet av studien visade att cheferna var positivt inställda till interventionsstudien, men cheferna märkte inte någon förändring på arbetsplatsen eller på deltagande medarbetare. De ansåg att chefen var ytterst ansvarig för hälsa på arbetsplatsen och individen ytterst ansvarig för sin personliga hälsa. Slutsatsen från studien visade att chefens hälsosyn påverkade i vilken utsträckning organisationen kunde tillgodogöra sig kunskap från hälsointerventionen. Chefens syn på vilka faktorer som innefattas i arbetshälsa kan genom kompetensutveckling breddas och därmed skapa bättre förutsättningar för en mer hälsosam arbetsmiljö. Litteraturgenomgången pekar på att en gemensam grundsyn i organisationen och strävan mot en balans i vardagen för medarbetaren är viktigt i det hälsofrämjande arbetet på arbetsplatsen. En positiv effekt av en intervention som fokuserar på livspusslet är att det kan leda till mer hållbar personal som stannar längre, vilket kan bidra till att organisationen blir mer konkurrenskraftig och attraherar ny personal. / The organization has a significant role in an employee’s work-life balance. There is much to gain for the employer by addressing problems and finding solutions that fit the employee. Studies of health promotion interventions at the workplace show that the best results are achieved if the intervention focuses simultaneously on both the individual and the organization. The aim of the study was to describe municipal employed managerial perceptions of an intervention study, that managers employees participated in, affected the workplace. The study also aimed to seek understanding of managers further thoughts on health promotion at an organizational level from a perspective where everyday life was included. The method used for data gathering was six individual interviews with managers in the social department in a municipality. The results of the study showed that managers were in favor of the intervention study, but the managers did not notice any change at the workplace or on participating employees. They thought that the manager was responsible for health at the workplace and that individuals were responsible for their own health. The conclusion from our study showed that managers attitude towards work-related health affects to which extent the organization can assimilate knowledge from a health intervention. The managers opinion of which factors are included in work-related health can be broadened through education and create better conditions for a healthier work environment. The literature review suggests that a shared ethos of the organization and the pursuit of work-life balance for employees is an important step in health promotion at the workplace. A positive effect of work-life balance interventions are more sustainable staff who stay longer, which makes the organization become more competitive and attractive to new staff.

In the present study, the relationship between work identity (emotion and cognition components) and work-related stress was investigated, and if work-life balance (WLB) and its components family-work conflict (FWC) and work-family conflict (WFC), might mediate this relationship. The study included 104 participants recruited via Facebook. The results showed: (1) Positive relationship between the cognitive component in the work-related identity and work-related stress; and (2) Negative relationship between the emotional component of the work-related identity and work-related stress. WLB was also shown to mediate the relation between the cognitive component in the work-related identity and work-related stress, accounted for by the WFC-component of WLB.