Is there a balance? : A mixed methods study on the knowledge and accessibility of work-life balance measures among employees in Malta

Abstract

The topic of work-life balance is widely studied in the field of research, however few studies have been carried out within the Maltese context. This mixed methods study seeks to further shed light on the Maltese employees’ experiences with regards to achieving a work-life balance. More specifically, this study seeks to determine the factors which impact employees’ knowledge of and accessibility to work-life benefits. Utilising the explanatory sequential design, this aim was reached through the use of a quantitative methodological phase, followed by a qualitative one. The quantitative phase sought to determine group differences in the levels of knowledge and accessibility of work-life benefits between employees in terms of income level, gender, parental status and managerial or non-managerial roles. This phase was carried out through the use of an online survey shared on social media platforms, which obtained a sample of 192 respondents. Group differences were determined through the use of statistical tests, mainly ANOVA and the Independents Samples t-test, through the IBM SPSS program. The results of this phase determined that parent employees and employees with a high income had higher levels of knowledge of work-life benefits in their workplace when compared to employees without children or lower income. However, no group differences were found with regards to levels of accessibility of work-life benefits. These results were followed by a qualitative phase which sought to explore the nature and type of knowledge which employees have about work-life benefits, their personal use of work-life benefits and factors which encourage and discourage their use. In this phase, six semi-structured interviews were carried out and the data was analysed through the framework approach. From this analysis, participants highlighted several barriers which impede them from accessing work-life benefits in their workplace, including a lack of information about work-life benefits, a lack of trust and an overall culture of resistance towards the introduction and use of work-life benefits. In conclusion, this study indicates that more education, information and a collective effort towards a change in culture are required to aid employees in the Maltese context to achieve a better work-life balance.