2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 WORK-LIFE BALANCE AMONG SUPPORT STAFF WORKING IN NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS: A SURVEY Co-Authors: Dr. Ipseeta Satpathy, D.Litt. Associate Professor School of Management KIIT University, Bhubaneswar; Odisha Hello: 09937234890, Mail: ipseeta@ksom.ac.in & Dr. B.Chandra Mohan Patnaik Associate Professor School of Management KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Hello: 09338809557, Mail: bcmpatnaik@ksom.ac.in June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 0 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 WORK-LIFE BALANCE AMONG SUPPORT STAFF WORKING IN NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS: A SURVEY ABSTRACT Work-life balance is the proper prioritizing between WORK (career and ambition) on one hand and LIFE (pleasure, leisure, family and spiritual development) on the other. It is the way of dividing up time between work, family, hobbies or other aspects of one’s private life. It is the idea that a good balance between one’s occupation and private life can improve both the quality of life and productivity at work. Juggling between the obligations towards the families and expectations of the organisation and constant struggle to maintain a balance can have serious implications on the life of an individual. Therefore, it is important for employees to maintain a healthy balance between work and their private lives. The present research paper is focused on the support staff in the Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Here, for our study the support staffs are defined as people working in support roles e.g. secretaries, receptionists, accounts clerk, other administrative staffs and peon etc. For the analysis of data about 150 questionnaires were distributed and the sampling technique adopted is stratified random sampling. Around 15 NGOs in Odisha were randomly selected, 5 male and 5 female from each NGO were distributed the questionnaires. Finally, 89 responses received, this includes 37 female support staff. Simple percentage method was followed for presenting the data in a simple way. The analysis carried on the basis of socio economic profile and general perception towards the personal and professional life. Key words: Work-Life balance, Support staff, Perception & NGOs June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 1 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 INTRODUCTION Work-life balance is the proper prioritizing between WORK (career and ambition) on one hand and LIFE (pleasure, leisure, family and spiritual development) on the other. Work/Life Balance is a state of equilibrium in which the demands of both a person’s job and personal life are equal. This topic has become of increasing importance in the domain of academic literature, legislation and public disclosure. It is the way of dividing up time between work, family, hobbies or other aspects of one’s private life. It is the idea that a good balance between one’s occupation and private life can improve both the quality of life and productivity at work. Juggling between the obligations towards the family and expectations of the organisation and constant struggle to maintain a balance can have serious implications on the life of an individual. Therefore, it is important for employees to maintain a healthy balance between work and their private lives. The present research paper is focused on the support staff in the NGOs. As we know the support staff in organisation performs varied and critical functions. Here, for our study the support staffs are defined as people working in support roles e.g secretaries, receptionists, accounts clerk and other administrative staffs, peon etc. They are not directly involved in production but can make a significant difference in the productive capacity of the other people in the organisation. NGOs include charitable and religious associations that mobilize private funds for development, distribute food and family planning services and promote community organisation. It is a non-profit making, voluntary, service-oriented/ development oriented organisation, for the benefit of other members of the population. It is an organisation of group of individuals who believe in certain basic social principles and who structure their activities to bring about development to communities that they are serving. NGO is a social development organisation assisting in the empowerment of people. It is an organisation assisting a group of people working independent of any external control with specific objectives and aims to fulfill tasks that are June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 2 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 oriented to bring, about desirable change in a given community or area or situation. It is an independent, democratic, non-setarian people’s organization working for the empowerment of economic and /or socially marginalized groups. An organisation not affiliated to political parties generally engaged in working for aid, development and welfare of the community. NGO is an organisation committed to the root cause of the problems trying to better the quality of life especially for the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized in urban and rural areas. An organisation established for the community without or with little intervention from the government, they are not only a charity organisation, but work on social economiccultural activities. An organisation that is flexible and democratic in its organisation and attempts to serve the people without profit for itself. In our study with reference to work-life balance related to sub-staff in NGOs, we found that they often voice feelings of being neglected, taken for granted and not being treated with enough respect and dignity. They also tend to feel that the organisation does not care enough about their career and development. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY To know the general perception of the support staff towards their personal and professional life. To understand the relationship between the cadre of support staff and their attitude towards the nature of work To know the source of support and factors that hinders the work-life balance of the support staff. To provide suggestions for better work-life balance. June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 3 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY The study is limited to selected NGOs in Odisha (India) The sample size is limited; it may not give the exact picture. The period of study is for 3 months i.e August 2011 to October 2011. REVIEW OF LITERATURE Higgins & Duxbury, (1992)- While both genders are affected by the challenges of balancing work and family, women report higher level of difficulty and related stress. Nelson and Burke (2002)- Women in academic tend to experience chronic stressors such as the glass ceiling, workload and role overload, maternal wall and inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment. Vijay Kumar, Asha Pravin & J.Dhilip (2011)- It has been identified that working women, getting caught in WLB trap will continue to be an outgoing challenge. Careful planning and personal effort is needed to balance in both career and home life. Diljot Soin (2011)- Found that the careful planning, personal effort, and training in the skills and competencies of emotional intelligence which will assist in developing one’s self-awareness leading to a change towards more adaptive attitudes and the augmentation of more positive perceptions of one’s work life balance. Steven L, Sauter (1999)- The work place has become the single greatest source of stress. Unfortunately, many women feel additional stress whey they must decide what they feel is best for their families or what is best for their careers. June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 4 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 R.K.Gupta(2006)- The diversity of NGOs stain any simple definition. They include many groups and institutions that are entirely or largely independent of government and that have primarily humanitarian or cooperative rather than commercial objectives. METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY For the purpose of the study 150 questionnaires were distributed and the sampling technique adopted was stratified random sampling. Around 15 NGOs were randomly selected and 5 male and 5 female from each NGOs were distributed the questionnaires. Finally, 89 responses received, this includes 37 female support staff. Simple percentage method was followed for presenting the data in simple a way. The analysis was carried on the basis of socio economic profile and general perception towards the personal and professional life. ANALYSIS OF DATA 1. SOCIO ECONOMIC BACK GROUND 1.1 On the basis of Age- Group Interpretation: The respondents on the basis of age group consists of 32.58% that belongs to the age group of 30-40 years , 22.47% in the age group of more than 50, 17.98% in the age group of 40-50, 14.61% belongs to the age group of 20-30 and remaining 12.36% in the age group of less than 20. The age group considered basically to understand the perception of youngsters and experienced staff. As both are having different attitude towards the work life balance as their priorities are different. (Refer table-1.1 of Annexure 1) June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 5 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 1.2 On the basis of Compensation Interpretation: On the basis of compensation the respondents consists of 19.10% belongs to less than Rs5,000, 13.48% belongs to Rs.5000- Rs10,000, 15.73% belongs to the group of Rs10,000- Rs15,000, 30.33% belongs to Rs15,000- Rs30,000 and remaining 21.36% belongs to more than Rs 30,000 compensation group. Compensation or package also plays an important role as this is directly linked to the satisfaction of the employees and it is also one of the motivating factors for performing work at work place. (Refer table-1.2 of Annexure 1) 1.3 On the basis of Working hours Interpretation: The working hour for different respondents includes 10.12% which works more than 9 hours, 28.09% works between 8-9 hours, 29.21% works for 7-8 hours, 19.10% works for 6-7 hours and remaining 13.48% of participants’ works for less than 6 hours. This is also important from the socio-economic back ground. As we know the time spent in the office by the employee plays an important role for the work life balance. Generally, more the time spent in office will lead to less time for personal life and vice-versa. (Refer table1.3 of Annexure 1) 1.4 On the basis of educational back ground Interpretation: The sample size includes 23.60% that belongs to below 10th class, 20.22% belongs to 12th pass outs, and 29.21% belongs to graduates. These graduates include from all the streams like science, commerce, arts and engineering also. Similarly, 14.61% belongs to post graduate employees and remaining 12.36% belongs to others. The others includes research scholars, diploma holders etc. (Refer table- 1.4 of Annexure 1) June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 6 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 1.5 On the basis of Experience Interpretation: The participants on the basis of experience includes 17.98% having less than 1 year experience, 24.72% having 3-6 years experience, 21.35% having more than 10 years experience and rest belongs to other category, 15.73% belongs to 6-10 years experience and remaining 20.22% belongs to 1-3 years experience. Like age group the experience of the employee also plays an important role. Generally experienced employees having a better position for maintaining work-life balance as compared to less experienced employee. (Refer table-1.5 of Annexure 1) 2. GENERAL OPINION TOWARDS PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL OBLIGATIONS 2.1 Are you able to balance work and personal life obligations? Interpretation: Answering to this question majority 39.33% opined that they are not able to balance themselves. Only 14.61% respondents are able to adjust themselves. 29.21% could not answer properly and 16.85% respondents able to do balance work and personal life some times. This indicates that the majority of employees working in NGOs are passing through a tough time. This will definitely reflect in the performance of the employees work. (Refer table2.1 of Annexure 1) 2.2 What is your opinion about the time spent at work place? Interpretation: Participating to this around 26.97% respondents are unhappy for the time spent at work place and 24.71% are very unhappy. Only 21.35% are quite happy and 14.61% are only happy. Remaining 12.36% could not say anything. Combining quite happy and June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 7 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 happy together only 35.96% of participants had positive perception towards time spent at work place. (Refer table 2.2 of Annexure 1) 2.3 How frequently do you bring your office work to home? Interpretation: Here 35.96% of respondents bring their office work to home always and 20.22% never bring the work to home, 11.24% of respondents bring the work often, 19.10% bring the work sometimes and remaining 13.48% brings work rarely. The total of always and often, clubbing together comes to 48.2% that used to bring home work generally. (Refer table2.3 of Annexure 1) 2.4 Do you worry about work when you are not at work? Interpretation: Responding to this 34.84% never worry about the work when they are not at work. Around 22.47% worry for some time. About 12.36% worry always, 20.22% rarely worry and remaining 10.11% often worry about work when they are not at work place. Here majority of 55.06% do not worry for the work. This is an important factor for managing proper work life balance. The unnecessary worries will not solve any problem; rather it will disturb the work life balance of the employees. (Refer table 2.4 of Annexure 1) 2.5 Why you bring your office work to home without spending the same time with your family members? Interpretation: Participating to this question 34.83% believes because of work pressure, 11.24% believes because of service condition they bring office work to home. Here service condition refers to a part of work which an employee has to perform that was agreed at the time of getting employment. About 17.98% thinks for better performance, 21.35% believes because of nature of work and the rest do so to earn more income.(Refer table 2.5 of Annexure 1) June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 8 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 2.6 Do you feel reluctant or tired mentally due to office work pressure? Interpretation: Answering to this 40.45% believes in work pressure always and 15.73% never feel pressure and enjoy the work. About 13.48% reluctant often, 19.10% feels tired for sometimes and 11.24% feels rarely tired. Taking always and often together it comes to 53.93%. This needs to be taken care of by the employees and employer both. In fact the case of working environment of NGOs is different from normal organizations. (Refer table 2.6 of Annexure 1) 2.7 Do you get family support for your work and the time spent with your family? Interpretation: Joining to this question, 20.22% gets complete family support, 15.73% gets support sometimes, 22.47% could not say anything and 41.58% did not get any support. Here only 20.22% gets complete support which seems to be very unfortunate situation for the employees. When the support is not extended from the family, it is very difficult to manage the work life balance. (Refer table 2.7 of Annexure 1) 2.8 How much quality time you are able to spend with your dear ones? Interpretation: Unfortunately10.11% respondents never get time to spend with the family members, 31.46 % rarely get time. Only 14.61% get time to spend with family members always, 25.84% gets time sometimes and 17.98% gets time often. Taking the scores of always and often together it comes to 32.59%. This will definitely disturb the family life of the employee. This also needs to be improved. (Refer table 2.8 of Annexure 1) June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 9 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 2.9 Are you happy with your present job? Interpretation: Answering to this 30.34% people are very unhappy, 21.35% are unhappy. Only 20.22%, 15.73% are quite happy and happy respectively. Similarly, 12.36% cannot say anything. Taking the score of quite happy and happy the total score comes to 35.95%. Majority were not happy and very unhappy. (Refer table 2.9 of Annexure 1) 2.10 Do you enjoy the work which you are doing at work place? Interpretation: Responding to this 37.08% never enjoy the work. 12.36% always enjoy doing work, 16.85% often enjoy, 10.11% enjoy sometimes, and 23.60% rarely enjoy the work. Taking the total score of rarely enjoys and never enjoy it comes to 60.68%. This may be because of monotonous of work or these respondents compelled to do the work because of no other alternatives available before them. (Refer table 2.10 of Annexure 1) SUGGESTIONS TO MANAGE WORK-LIFE BALANCE Be dedicated, but only do what you like. Avoid unnecessary communications. Use free time effectively. Write a ‘to do’ list for next day before you leave. Carefully consider your work goals. Have a ‘focused session’ at work, where you eliminate all distraction. Keep carefully documentation of the tasks you accomplish and then discuss a reasonable and more flexible work arrangement with your superiors. Show commitment and involvement to the significant and important projects. Get adequate sleep Drop activities that sap your time and energy. June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 10 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 Plan presently for long vacations later. Get organized. Live where you want to live. Share your feelings with your dear ones to overcome emotional pressure. CONCLUDING NOTE From the study it has been identified that for supporting staff working in NGOs, the work life balance will continue to be an outgoing challenge. It is the employer who should review the system through HR department, as the HR is the important component for the organizational growth. So the employer and employee should find a solution to the issue. However, it is important that supporting staff should plan, prioritize and schedule as efficiently as possible. There is no fixed rule for the work life balance. It varies from case to case and at the same time the nature of work and other different factors. It is also true that these staffs are equally important for the growth of the organisation. Their feelings, emotions and expectations cannot be taken for granted. Considering all the compulsions we can learn a lovely lesson from these lines “Adjust ourselves in every situation and in any shape but the most important is always find out our own way to flow.” June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 11 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 REFERENCES 1. Higgins, CA. & Duxbury,L.E (1992)- Work-family conflict: A comparison of dual career and traditional career men. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 13,389-411. 2. Debra L.Nelson and Ronald J.Burke –Gender,Work Stress and Health. 3. Vijay Kumar, Asha Parvin & J.Dhilip (2011)-A Study on Work Life Balance among married women employed in Engineering colleges, Journal of Commerce and Management Thought, Vol-II, October-December (2011), 585-595 4. Diljot Soin (2011)- Emotional Intelligence in Relation to Work/Life Balance among working women., Research Journal of Arts, Management & Social Science, Vol.IV, 229-234 5. Sauter, Steven L and Hurell Joseph,- Professional Psychology, Research and Practice, Vol.30(2), April 1999. 6. Dr.R.K.Gupta(2006)- NGO’s and the State-published by Mahaveer & Sons, New Delhi, June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 12 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 ANNEXTURE-1 Table-1.1: On the basis of age group Age Group Frequency Percent Cumulative percent Less than 20 11 12.36 12.36 20-30 13 14.61 26.97 30-40 29 32.58 59.55 40-50 16 17.98 77.53 More than 50 20 22.47 100 Total 89 100 Source: Compiled from primary source Table-1.2: On the basis of Compensation Compensation F Percent Cumulative percent Less than 5000 17 19.10 19.10 5000-10,000 12 13.48 32.58 10,000-15,000 14 15.73 48.31 15,000-30,000 27 30.33 78.64 More than 30,000 19 21.36 100 89 100 Total Source: Compiled from primary source Table-1.3: On the basis of working hours Working hours F Percent Cumulative percent Less than 6 hour 12 13.48 13.48 6-7 hour 17 19.10 32.58 7-8 hour 26 29.21 61.79 8-9 hour 25 28.09 89.88 9 10.12 100 89 100 More than 9 hour Total Source: Compiled from primary source June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 13 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 Table-1.4: On the basis of educational back ground Education F Percent Cumulative percent Below 10th 21 23.60 23.60 12th 18 20.22 43.82 Graduate 26 29.21 73.03 Post graduate 13 14.61 87.64 Others 11 12.36 100 Total 89 100 Source: Compiled from primary source Table- 1.5: On the basis of experience Experience F Percent Cumulative percent Less than 1 year 16 17.98 17.98 1-3 year 18 20.22 38.2 3-6 year 22 24.72 62.92 6-10 year 14 15.73 78.65 19 21.35 100 89 100 More than 10 year Total Source: Compiled from primary source Table-2.1: balance work and personal life obligations Opinion F Percent Cumulative percent Able 13 14.61 14.61 Unable 35 39.33 53.94 Sometimes 15 16.85 70.79 Cannot say 26 29.21 100 Total 89 100 Source: Compiled from primary source June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 14 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 Table-2.2: Time spent at work place Opinion F Percent Cumulative percent Quite Happy 19 21.35 21.35 Happy 13 14.61 35.96 Cannot say 11 12.36 48.32 Unhappy 24 26.97 75.29 Very unhappy 22 24.71 100 Total 89 100 Source: Compiled from primary source Table-2.3: Bringing office work to home Opinion F Percent Cumulative percent Always 32 35.96 35.96 Often 10 11.24 47.2 Sometimes 17 19.10 66.3 Rarely 12 13.48 79.78 Never 18 20.22 100 Total 89 100 Source: Compiled from primary source Table-2.4: worry about work when you are not at work Opinion F Percent Cumulative percent Always 11 12.36 12.36 Often 9 10.11 22.47 Sometimes 20 22.47 44.94 Rarely 18 20.22 65.16 Never 31 34.84 100 Total 89 100 Source: Compiled from primary source June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 15 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 Table-2.5:family members Opinion F Percent Cumulative percent Work load 31 34.83 34.83 Service conditions 10 11.24 46.07 For better performance 16 17.98 64.05 Nature of work 19 21.35 85.40 To earn more income 13 14.60 100 89 Total 100 Source: Compiled from primary source Table-2.6: feel reluctant or tired mentally due to office work pressure Opinion F Percent Cumulative percent Always 36 40.45 40.45 Often 12 13.48 53.93 Sometimes 17 19.10 73.03 Rarely 10 11.24 84.27 Never 14 15.73 100 Total 89 100 Source: Compiled from primary source Table-2.7: get family support for your work and the time spent with your family Opinion F Percent Cumulative percent Support completely 18 20.22 20.22 Support some times 14 15.73 35.95 Neutral 20 22.47 58.42 No support 37 41.58 100 Total 89 100 Source: Compiled from primary source June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 16 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 Table -2.8: quality time you are able to spend with your dear ones Opinion F Percent Cumulative percent Always 13 14.61 14.61 Often 16 17.98 32.59 Sometimes 23 25.84 58.43 Rarely 28 31.46 89.89 Never 9 10.11 100 Total 89 100 Source: Compiled from primary source 2.9 Are you happy with your present job? Opinion F Percent Cumulative percent Quite Happy 18 20.22 20.22 Happy 14 15.73 35.95 Cannot say 11 12.36 48.31 Unhappy 19 21.35 69.66 Very unhappy 27 30.34 100 Total 89 100 Source: Compiled from primary source 2.10 Do you enjoy the work which you are doing at work place? Opinion F Percent Cumulative percent Always 11 12.36 12.36 Often 15 16.85 29.21 Sometimes 9 10.11 39.32 Rarely 21 23.60 62.92 Never 33 37.08 100 Total 89 100 Source: Compiled from primary source June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 17 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 ANNEXTURE- 2 Chart-1.1:On the basis of Age- Group 35 30 25 20 Frequency 15 10 5 0 Less than 20 20-30 30-40 40-50 More than 50 Source: Table 1.1 Chart-1.2:On the basis of Compensation 30 25 20 15 F 10 5 0 Less than 5000 5000-10,000 10,000-15,000 15,000-30,000 More than 30,000 Source: Table 1.2 Chart-1.3:On the basis of Working hours 30 25 20 15 F 10 5 0 Less than 6 hour 6-7 hour 7-8 hour 8-9 hour More than 9 hour Source: Table 1.3 June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 18 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 Chart-1.4:On the basis of educational back ground 30 25 20 15 F 10 5 0 10th 12th Graduate Post graduate Others Source: Table 1.4 Chart-1.5:On the basis of Experience 25 20 15 F 10 5 0 Less than 1 year 1-3 year 3-6 year 6-10 year More than 10 year Source: Table 1.5 June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 19 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 Chart-2.1:Balance work and personal life obligations 40 35 30 25 20 F 15 10 5 0 Able Unable Sometimes Cannot say Source: Table 2.1 Chart-2.2:time spent at work place 30 25 20 15 F 10 5 0 Quite Happy Happy Cannot say Unhappy Very unhappy Source: Table 2.2 Chart-2.3:Bring your office work to home 35 30 25 20 F 15 10 5 0 Always Often Sometimes Rarely Never Source: Table 2.3 June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 20 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 Chart-2.4: work when you are not at work 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Always Often Sometimes F Rarely Never Source: Table 2.4 Chart-2.5:without spending the same time with your family members 35 30 25 20 15 F 10 5 0 Work load Service conditions For better performance Nature of work To earn more income Source: Table 2.5 Chart-2.6:mentally tired due to office work pressure 40 35 30 25 20 F 15 10 5 0 Always Often Sometimes Rarely Never Source: Table 2.6 June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 21 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 Chart-2.7:Support for your work and the time spent with your family 40 35 30 25 20 F 15 10 5 0 Support completely Support some times Neutral No support Source: Table 2.7 Chart-2.8:Quality time you are able to spend with your dear ones 30 25 20 15 F 10 5 0 Always Often Sometimes Rarely Never Source: Table 2.8 June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 22 2012 Cambridge Business & Economics Conference ISBN : 9780974211428 Chart-2.9:Happy with your present job 30 25 20 15 F 10 5 0 Quite Happy Happy Cannot say Unhappy Very unhappy Source: Table 2.9 Chart-2.10:enjoy the work which you are doing in work place 35 30 25 20 F 15 10 5 0 Always Often Sometimes Rarely Never Source: Table 2.10 June 27-28, 2012 Cambridge, UK 23