Workplace Factors Influencing Quality of Work Life and Work-Life Balance among Healthcare Workers in Mayiladuthurai District

Abstract

This study investigates the quality of work life (QWL) and the work-life balance (WLB) among healthcare workers in the Mayiladuthurai district, which is emblematic of broader trends affecting healthcare professionals in India. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the quantitative aspect involved administering a structured questionnaire to a sample of healthcare workers, while qualitative insights were garnered through semi-structured interviews that provided a deeper understanding of the nuances affecting the QWL and WLB in this sector. The analysis revealed that factors such as workload, organizational support, job security, and professional development significantly influence healthcare workers' perceptions of their quality of work life. Participants articulated the challenges posed by long working hours and emotional exhaustion, which adversely impacted their ability to achieve a satisfactory balance between their professional and personal lives. Moreover, the study highlighted variations in QWL and WLB perceptions based on gender and years of experience, indicating that younger and less experienced workers faced more significant hurdles in balancing their work and personal obligations. The qualitative findings complemented the quantitative data, illustrating how inadequate support systems, unsatisfactory working conditions, and insufficient pay detrimentally impacted health workers' morale and job satisfaction. These challenges resulted in high attrition rates and suggested the need for strategic organizational interventions to bolster both QWL and WLB among this crucial segment of the workforce. This comprehensive analysis contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the interconnections between quality of work life and work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues for the stability and efficacy of healthcare services in the region. The findings may inform policymakers and healthcare administration strategies aimed at enhancing work conditions in order to retain skilled professionals and improve overall service delivery in the healthcare sector.