The programming committee for the 77th Annual SAM International Business Conference is pleased to announce the acceptance of the presentation Struggling with Work-Life Balance in the World of COVID: The Perspectives of Professional Women, authored by Sheila Shipmon-Friedli, Anita Jose, and Peggy Dufour of Hood College.
Presentation Abstract: Research in human research management indicates that working women struggle with balancing work and life responsibilities. COVID-19 has exacerbated this struggle. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the challenges and opportunities that women faced in balancing work and life obligations during the pandemic and the implications of these factors for management. This research is based on a content analysis of the responses from 133 professional women to an open-ended survey question “How has the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Your Work–Life Balance?” The themes and sub-themes emerged from the pattern coding centered around the blurred boundaries of work and family, increased social isolation, and greater mental and emotional strain. Receiving support from work, having good personal support systems, and the availability of time for self-care mitigated the hardships associated with the lack of balance. As more organizations adapt to the new normal of letting employees have greater telecommuting capabilities, they need to be aware of the hidden pitfalls of such a move, including the increased psychological burden posed by the blurring of the boundaries between work and family. In addition to developing policies and procedures that support the work-life balance of employees, organizations need to promote a culture of openness, flexibility with boundaries, teamwork, and emphasis on mental health. Advancing management in a rapidly changing world requires innovation and humanity in the creation and implementation of human resource practices.
Join us online to see this great paper and many more March 31 – April 2, 2022. For registration information visit www.samnational.org/conference.