Work-Life Balance and Work-from-Home Experience: Impact on Future Readiness among Academicians in Rayalaseema Region
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Abstract
In response to the global shift towards remote work prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, this study investigates the dynamics of work-life balance among academicians in higher educational institutions within the Rayalaseema region. The transition to remote work has not only redefined traditional work practices but has also posed significant challenges and opportunities for academic professionals and their institutions. This research aims to discern the impact of this transition on the future readiness of academicians and their respective institutions, emphasizing the interplay between work-life balance, technological preparedness, and organizational support. The study employs a comprehensive mixed-methods approach to gather robust and nuanced data. Quantitative data is collected through surveys distributed among academicians across various institutions in the Rayalaseema region. These surveys focus on multiple dimensions of work-life balance, including workload distribution, time management, personal well-being, and the perceived effectiveness of remote work. The surveys also aim to capture the extent to which academicians feel supported by their institutions in terms of resources, communication, and flexibility during the transition to remote work. To complement the quantitative data, qualitative insights are gathered through in-depth interviews with a selected group of academicians. These interviews delve deeper into the lived experiences of the participants, exploring the challenges they have encountered, the strategies they have employed to maintain work-life balance, and their perceptions of the sustainability and future potential of remote work arrangements. The interviews are particularly focused on uncovering the personal and professional adaptations required by academicians during this unprecedented shift, as well as their views on the long-term implications of these changes. Through rigorous statistical analysis and thematic coding, the study seeks to identify significant patterns, trends, and correlations within the collected data. Specifically, it aims to uncover insights into the relationship between work-life balance and the readiness of academicians and institutions to adapt to future work paradigms. This includes an examination of factors such as technological preparedness, the availability and effectiveness of organizational support, and individual adaptability to changing work environments. The findings of this study are expected to contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge on work-life balance in academia, particularly within the context of remote work. By focusing on the specific context of higher educational institutions in the Rayalaseema region, this research will offer localized insights that can inform broader discussions on the future of work in academia. Furthermore, the study intends to provide practical recommendations for higher educational institutions in the Rayalaseema region, aimed at enhancing their future readiness. These recommendations will focus on developing strategies that prioritize the well-being and productivity of academic staff, while also equipping institutions to navigate the evolving landscape of work with resilience and adaptability.