Work Intensification: A Stumbling Block to Work Life Balance?

Abstract

Of recent, studies on work intensification have surfaced in many sectors of the work environment and, with work-life balance being triggered by numerous variables. Employees are working harder and faster to meet tight deadlines and the speed of work has escalated resulting in a negative association with their health. The study aims to assess whether work intensification hinders work-life balance and affects employees' daily tasks. A quantitative approach was selected for the study and, both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized. Hypotheses testing were part of the study and most were partially accepted. The simple random sample was chosen and a sample of 100 employees was drawn. Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire. The results showed that work intensification and work-life balance occurred at varying degrees and improvements were required in several areas. The adverse results of work intensification and high-involvement work processes have a tremendous impact on the employees' work-life balance. The study culminates with a projection on recommendations, conclusion and, practical implications are reflected upon based on the study. Aim of the study:The aim of the study is to assess whether work intensification is a stumbling block to work-life balance in a public sector organization. The constructs for work intensification (organizational and technological change, work intensity and ergonomic factors, work-related stress and psychological factors, volume of workload and job insecurity) and for work-life balance (work-family conflict, work flexibility, managerial/supervisory support, child/elderly care and employee wellness) were explored. MethodologyResearch approach: The research methodology has been designed to assess employee perceptions on whether work intensification is a stumbling block to work-life balance in a public sector organization. Respondents:The study was undertaken in a public sector organization, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Respondents were office-level employees and, the sample comprised of both male and female respondents of varying age, marital and race groups, with varying educational qualifications and years of service. Due to Work-related stress and psychological factors are compelling factors that must be addressed to create the following: a comfortable work atmosphere; social support activities (team retreats) for stress reduction; self-

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Learning to inhabit the liquid liminal world of work: An auto-ethnographic visual study of work-life boundary transitions

“…Alternatively, it has been claimed that the same flexible working arrangements inhibit it. For instance, working from home for part of the week can be associated with intensification of work (Kelliher and Anderson, 2010) and therefore with poorer work-life balance (Abdoolla and Govender, 2017). Others warn that work-life balance discourse is driven by a focus on individual achievement and instrumental rationality, hence it may precondition the kinds of choices made, thus paradoxically ‘entrenching people in the work/life im balance’ (Caproni, 2004: 208).…”