Salutogenic resources in relation to teachers’ work-life balance

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Nilsson, Marie^{a; b; *} | Blomqvist, Kerstin^a | Andersson, Ingemar^a

Affiliations: [a] Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden | [b] Lund University, Lund, Sweden

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Marie Nilsson, Kristianstad University, S-291 88 Kristianstad, Sweden. Tel.: +46 44 204064; Fax: +46 44 203103; E-mail: marie.nilsson@hkr.se.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Experiencing work-life balance is considered a health promoting resource. To counter-balance the negative development of teachers’ work situation, salutogenic resources need to be examined among teachers. OBJECTIVE: To examine resources related to teachers’ experience of their work-life balance. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, a questionnaire was distributed to 455 teachers in compulsory schools in a Swedish community. A total of 338 teachers participated (74%). A multiple linear regression method was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Four variables in the regression model significantly explained work-life balance and were thereby possible resources: time experience at work; satisfaction with everyday life; self-rated health; and recovery. The strongest association with work-life balance was time experience at work. Except time experience at work, all were individual-related. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of school management’s support in reducing teachers’ time pressure. It also emphasizes the need to address teachers’ individual resources in relation to work-life balance. In order to support teachers’ work-life balance, promote their well-being, and preventing teachers’ attrition, we suggest that the school management would benefit from creating a work environment with strengthened resources.

Keywords: Recovery, survey, teachers’ work environment, workplace health promotion

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172528

Journal: Work, vol. 56, no. 4, pp. 591-602, 2017