Salutogenic resources in relation to teachers' work-life balance

Work. 2017;56(4):591-602. doi: 10.3233/WOR-172528.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • School Teachers / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Sweden
  • Work-Life Balance*
  • Workload