Factors influencing work life balance of G.C.E (O/L) and G.C.E.(A/L) teachers in Sri Lanka during COVID-19 pandemic a structural equation model

Abstract

With conflicting responsibilities and commitments, maintaining a work-life balance in the office has grown to be a significant difficulty. The twenty-first century is characterized by constant change, uncertainty, and intense pressure to increase productivity. Today's high-tech world's fast-paced, multitasking lifestyle has created expectations for both personal and professional devotion. Working women are under a lot of stress because of their jobs, and they face many challenges and worries at work. At best, it can be challenging to strike a balance between one's personal goals and duties and one's professional obligations. Most previous research on juggling work and family revealed that women frequently shoulder more responsibility for both, making it more challenging for them to establish a balance at both ends. It is essential to consider how teachers' wellbeing affects students' experiences and achievements. This qualitative study examines the happiness of professors at public universities in Sri Lanka. The research takes place during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic, when schools are strapped for cash and instructors are looking for a better work–life balance by working from home. Therefore, there is a theoretical gap between the previous research and the present study. The research uses a descriptive survey approach, positivism philosophy, and mixed method approach to identify the relationship between teach concerns and work life balance, job satisfaction mediating teacher concerns and work life balance, and job stress moderating teacher concerns and work life balance. Data was collected from 350 school teachers who teach Ordinary Level, and Advanced Level in government, semi-government, and private schools in Sri Lanka. According to this study, among instructors participating in COVID-19, family obligations may conflict with work obligations more frequently than the reverse. It was identified that because of the high workload and more urgent demands, one is forced to carry their job home with them, and demands of employment interfered with obligations to one's family. Additionally, the research identified that work-life balance is determined not only by the external pressures imposed by employers but also by the internal pressures brought on by the amount of motivation of the individual.Keywords: work-life balance, job satisfaction, Structural Equation modelling, job stress, COVID 19 Impact