An integrative action research on work-life balance in a shared services company

• Main Author: Carrasco, Jewel Pink K.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2016
• Subjects: Work-life balance; Quality of life; Time management
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/5411
• Institution: De La Salle University

Work-life balance has gained more attention now compared to previous years. This is because of the ever changing landscape of how an organization should be run. Balance is the individual view that both work and non-work activities are attuned and promote growth in accordance with an individuals life. This action research is about enhancing the work-life balance of employees in a Shared Services Company. The methodology used in this research is the action research cycle with the application of Lewins Change Management Model and Total Rewards Model. In the first cycle, the identified issue was the low work-life balance of employees. This was manifested by diminished job satisfaction, increase in attrition rate and other employee personal matters. Work-Life balance scale by Hayman (2005) was used to measure the current work-life balance perception of employees. Interventions were crafted that fit the needs of the employees. These initiatives provided an avenue for personal growth through creativity, socialization and just by simply having fun. Initiatives were also based on Erik Eriksons psychosocial development to craft age-appropriate activities and at the same time allowed attainment of certain stages. Flexible time with core hours was another proposed intervention. Flexibility allows effective management of work and family responsibilities thereby allowing to minimize work family conflict and performance improvement at work and home. I learned the different approaches in research in terms of using reflection journals with ORJI (observation, reaction, judgement, intervention) Model, ladder of inference, and left hand/right hand column. The emancipatory nature of the research empowered everyone all throughout each cycle. The experience taught me the values of respect, patience and understanding there are no small roles in an organization.