Torn between two worlds : a qualitative study on whether legislation and policies in Malta are enabling employees in the private sector to balance their work and life responsibilities

Abstract

The issue of work-life balance is known to be a very important matter since women are encouraged to re-enter or remain in the labour market while fathers are recognizing their important role in their children's lives. Furthermore, families are having fewer children since caring and upbringing includes a number of challenges and expenses. The purpose of this research is to identify whether legislation and policies are enough to enable employees in the private sector to balance their work and life responsibilities. This study examines existing legislation and polices while also aims at addressing the challenges dual-earner families faces on a day to day basis. The methodology chosen for this study, was influenced by the fact that, the researcher wanted to understand deeper the issues and challenges surrounding work-life balance. Indeed, a qualitative approach was used and one-to-one interviews were conducted with eight key informants. An interview guide was devised and the data collected was discussed through thematic analysis. In this study, it was evident that several challenges are hindering successful work-life balance, since employees do not benefit from family friendly measures. Problems with childcare and schools, lack of family friendly measures and employers' attitude towards such measures are making work-life balance for employees difficult to be achieved. Furthermore, existing policies and legislation are not enough since they are not supporting work-life balance, especially to dual-earners in the private sector. This study will set the ball rolling for further - vii - investigation on how policies and legislation could help provide such balance. In addition to this, it could also be used as a foundation to indicate lacunae within the Private Sector.