Work Life Balance and Job Satisfaction as Functions of Work Stress in Employees during Covid-19

Abstract

The present study was aimed at finding the predictive relationship between workplace stress, work life balance and job satisfaction among employees during Covid-19. After literature review following hypotheses were made, Work life balance would be significantly predicted by workplace stress in employees; Job satisfaction would be significantly predicted by workplace stress in employees; There would be gender differences in the scores of workplace stress and work life balance in employees. The sudden outbreak of pandemic ocvid-19 posed a lot of health and psychosocial challenges. The era of Work-from home, not only changed employee’s workplace but also their life styles were impacted in terms of managing work life from personal space. It also lead to attitudinal and behavioral outcomes. By using a purposive sampling strategy, 60 employees of public and private sector organizations were recruited from Karachi, Pakistan. The sample included employees from diverse range of industries and professions and from mid to senior level. In order to check these hypotheses, standardized measures of Work place stress scale, Work life balance self-assessment questionnaire and job satisfaction scale were employed along with a demographic data sheet. Findings revealed a significant relationship between work place stress and work life balance [r=.674; R2=.455, F (1, 58) = 48.389, p<.001]. Gender differences revealed more work place stress experienced by women and also the work life balance was poorer in them. Following the empirical study, we found that a state of balance between professional and personal life generates satisfaction, a higher degree of work stress, decreased performance, and reduced employees’ job satisfaction.