Work-life balance among social workers in some selected welfare homes and rehab centres in Lagos state

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigated work-life balance among social workers in selected welfare homes and rehabilitation centres in Lagos state. In a combination of between subject and within subject design (using ex-post-facto configuration), the relationships of work life balance, work centrality, household responsibility, parental demands, spousal support and workplace support were examined. The study was anchored on the conflict theory. Results revealed that household responsibility, parental demands contributes accounted for about 18.5% of the variance in social workers work-life balance. Older social workers reported more personal enhancement, and thus improved work-life balance than younger social workers. Significant mean differences were also observed in the personal life interference with work and work/personal life enhancement as moderated by support systems between male and female social workers, as well as younger and older social workers. Between-participants comparison revealed that work-life balance was very poor among younger and female social workers compared to older social worker, as well as male social workers. Findings in the study were discussed in the light of extant literatures on the emerging trends of increasing vulnerable groups and the demands for the service of social workers in Lagos state. Recommendations were made on areas (factors) that social workers need to consider in order to experience work life balance.