WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND JOB SATISFACTION OF FEMALE ACADEMIC STAFF IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

This study examined work-life balance and job satisfaction of female academic staff in public universities in Lagos State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. A total of 93 female academics were chosen from University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka and Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State, Nigeria using purposive sampling technique. Two types of instruments were used namely: Work-Life Balance Scale (WOLBS) and Job Satisfaction Scale (JOSS) with reliability coefficients of 0.913 and 0.904. Regression analysis was used for testing the hypotheses at .05 significance level. The findings revealed that flexible-work hours, work-shift and study leave significantly influence job satisfaction of female academic staff. About 21% of the variance in job satisfaction of female academic staff) was accounted for by the linear combination of the independent variables (flexible-work hours, work-shift and study leave). The implication of this is that work-life balance policy practices in University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka and Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State, needs improvement in order for female lecturers to strike a satisfactory balance between the time they spend at work and the time they spend on non-work roles. It was recommended that efforts should be geared towards ensuring that work-family balance policy options (such as job sharing, compressed working hours, telecommuting, flexi time, child-care assistance, and so forth) are made for women academics. Such policies should priorities work flexibility for female academics.