The great balancing act: women seeking work-life balance during COVID-19

ABSTRACT

This research carried the aim to learn more about women's lived experiences related to work-life balance during the COVID-19 pandemic and to offer recommendations specifically to the financial services industry. The study was used to understand women's lived experiences related to work-life balance during the pandemic, individual and environmental factors that influence work-life balance challenges for women, and how to foster work-life balance at home and work. The aim was to understand how women can feel empowered when navigating work-life challenges during the pandemic and to offer recommendations for the financial services industry. The qualitative methodology of this study was guided by the conceptual frameworks of Bronfenbrenner's ecological model, the literature, the research questions, and the problem statement. Twenty participants represented the broad population of women, ranging in age between 29 to 64 years old and employed in the financial services industry (e.g., banking, collections, credit, insurance, credit reporting, and repair) in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-one interview questions were asked during the semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed work-life balance challenges for women employed in the financial services industry. Work-life balance challenges for women varied based on age, marital and family status, and access to organizational support and resources while working from home. Emerging themes included a sense of control and empowerment when creating self-imposed boundaries to balance work-life demands and work-life conflict. Based on the interview findings and in concurrence with a thorough literature review, the study outlines recommendations, and future implications for organizations to consider when women are seeking work-life balance support, while employed in a work-from-home environment in the financial services industry. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)