Published March 18, 2025
| Version v1
Journal article
Open
The Effect of Work-Life Balance Programs on Burnout Levels and Professional Performance Among Nurses A mixed-method study at Saidu Teaching Hospital Swat, Pakistan
Contributors
Hosting institution:
Description
Background: Work-life balance (WLB) plays a crucial role in preventing burnout and enhancing professional performance among nurses. Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, negatively affects healthcare delivery.
Aim: The study aims to assess how WLB programs influence burnout and professional performance among nurses, identifying key benefits and challenges in their implementation.
Methodology: A mixed-method approach using an explanatory sequential design was employed. The quantitative phase involved a survey of 200 staff nurses, measuring burnout levels using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The qualitative phase included semi-structured interviews with a subset of participants to explore their experiences with WLB programs. Descriptive and thematic analyses were used to interpret findings.
Results: Nurses with access to WLB programs reported significantly lower emotional exhaustion (mean = 19.4) and depersonalization (mean = 7.5) compared to those without access. Job satisfaction (mean = 80.2) and quality of patient care (mean = 82.0) were higher among nurses benefiting from WLB initiatives. Qualitative findings highlighted improved mental well-being, reduced stress, and enhanced professional commitment. However, barriers included departmental restrictions and lack of awareness.
Conclusion: WLB programs effectively reduce burnout and improve professional performance. Healthcare institutions should implement and promote these initiatives to enhance nurse well-being and patient care outcomes.
Files
Files
(52.2 kB)
| Name | Size | Download all |
|---|---|---|
|
md5:575508f52994fdead523e9450ca8756b
|
52.2 kB | Download |
Additional details
Related works
- Is published in
- Journal: 3066-3202 (ISSN)
References
- 1. Rao A, Shailashri. Work-Life Balance of women medical professionals in the healthcare sector-A systematic literature review. Int J Health Sci Pharm. 2021:54-79. doi.10.47992/ijhsp.2581.6411.0074 Crossref | Google Scholar 2. Bhende P, Mekoth N, Ingalhalli V, Reddy YV. Quality of work life and work–life balance. J Hum Values. 2020;26(3):256-265. doi.10.1177/0971685820939380 Crossref | Google Scholar 3. Muthuswamy VV. Saudi Female health workers job performance: Examining the Influence of job burnout (JB), work-life balance (WLB), and work environment (WE). Przestrzeń Społeczna (Social Space). 2022;22(3) Saudi Female health workers job performance: Examining the Influence of job burnout (JB), work-life balance (WLB), and work environment (WE) 4. Dousin O, Collins N, Bartram T, Stanton P. The relationship between work-life balance, the need for achievement, and intention to leave: Mixed-method study. J Adv Nurs. 2021;77(3):1478-1489. doi.10.1111/jan.14724 PubMed | Crossref | Google Scholar 5. Kabunga A, Kigongo E, Okalo P, et al. Burnout and quality of life among healthcare workers in central Uganda. PLoS One. 2024;19(8):e0305713. doi.10.1371/journal.pone.0305713 PubMed | Crossref | Google Scholar 6. Galanis P, Moisoglou I, Katsiroumpa A, et al. Increased Job Burnout and Reduced Job Satisfaction for Nurses Compared to Other Healthcare Workers after the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nurs Rep. 2023;13(3):1090-1100. doi.10.3390/nursrep13030095 PubMed | Crossref | Google Scholar 7. Alreshidi NM, Alsharari AF. Work-life balance of expatriate nurses working in acute care settings. Nurs Open. 2021;8(6):3201-3211. doi.10.1002/nop2.1033 PubMed | Crossref | Google Scholar 8. Kumar M, Saini A, Jeet K. Sustaining mental health amidst high-pressure job scenarios: a narrative review. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2024;11(8):3319-3325. doi.10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20242197 Crossref | Google Scholar 9. Ablaza CJ, Abutin M, Agunos AJ, et al. Voices from the frontlines: The lived experiences of nurses working overtime amid the covid-19 pandemic. Eur J Public Health Stud. 2025;8(1):118-132. Voices from the frontlines: The lived experiences of nurses working overtime amid the covid-19 pandemic 10. Goudarzian AH, Nikbakht Nasrabadi A, Sharif-Nia H, Farhadi B, Navab E. Exploring the concept and management strategies of caring stress among clinical nurses: a scoping review. Front Psychiatry. 2024;15:1337938. doi.10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1337938 PubMed | Crossref | Google Scholar 11. Dulko D, Kohal BJ. How Do We Reduce Burnout In Nursing?. Nurs Clin North Am. 2022;57(1):101-114. doi.10.1016/j.cnur.2021.11.007 PubMed | Crossref | Google Scholar 12. Pagador F, Barone M, Manoukian M, Xu W, Kim L. Effective Holistic Approaches to Reducing Nurse Stress and Burnout During COVID-19. Am J Nurs. 2022;122(5):40-47. doi.10.1097/01.NAJ.0000830744.96819.dc PubMed | Crossref | Google Scholar 13. Rashmi K, Kataria A. The mediating role of work-life balance on the relationship between job resources and job satisfaction: perspectives from Indian nursing professionals. Int J Organ Anal. 2023;31(5):1316-1342. doi.10.1108/ijoa-04-2021-2722 Crossref | Google Scholar 14. Xiao Q, Cooke FL, Chen L. Nurses' well‐being and implications for human resource management: A systematic literature review. Int J Manag Rev. 2022;24(4):599-624. doi.10.1111/ijmr.12295 Crossref | Google Scholar 15. Gribben L, Semple CJ. Factors contributing to burnout and work-life balance in adult oncology nursing: An integrative review. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2021;50:101887. doi.10.1016/j.ejon.2020.101887 PubMed | Crossref | Google Scholar 16. Boamah SA, Hamadi HY, Havaei F, Smith H, Webb F. Striking a Balance between Work and Play: The Effects of Work-Life Interference and Burnout on Faculty Turnover Intentions and Career Satisfaction. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(2):809. doi.10.3390/ijerph19020809 PubMed | Crossref | Google Scholar 17. Akinwale OE, Edegwa SK, Ofuani AB. Individual and organisational determinants of work-life balance and quality of work-life (Qwl) among nurses and pharmacists in government hospital. Afr J Econ Bus Res. 2024;3(2). doi.10.4314/ajebr.v3i2.3 Crossref | Google Scholar 18. Steketee A, Chen S, Nelson RA, Kraak VI, Harden SM. A mixed-methods study to test a tailored coaching program for health researchers to manage stress and achieve work-life balance. Transl Behav Med. 2022;12(3):369-410. doi.10.1093/tbm/ibab134 PubMed | Crossref | Google Scholar 19. Poulin PA, Mackenzie CS, Soloway G, Karayolas E. Mindfulness training as an evidence-based approach to reducing stress and promoting well-being among human services professionals. Int J Health Promot Educ. 2008;46(2):72-80. Mindfulness training as an evidence-based approach to reducing stress and promoting well-being among human services professionals 20. Hassan Helaly S, Ismail Ali H, Abdel Ghafar Ali K, Mohammed Aysha Z, Elgharib Mohamed Mostafa Eldiasty N. Effect of nursing activities on the quality of work-life balance, absenteeism, and job satisfaction among nurses at intensive care units. Egypt J Health Care. 2022;13(1):2011-2029. doi.10.21608/ejhc.2022.269778 Crossref | Google Scholar 21. Aruldoss A, Berube Kowalski K, Travis ML, Parayitam S. The relationship between work–life balance and job satisfaction: moderating role of training and development and work environment. J Adv Manag Res. 2022;19(2):240-271. doi.10.1108/jamr-01-2021-0002 Crossref | Google Scholar 22. Cohen C, Pignata S, Bezak E, Tie M, Childs J. Workplace interventions to improve well-being and reduce burnout for nurses, physicians and allied healthcare professionals: a systematic review. BMJ open. 2023;13(6):e071203. doi.10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071203 PubMed | Crossref | Google Scholar 23. Fazal S, Masood S, Nazir F, Majoka MI. Individual and organizational strategies for promoting work–life balance for sustainable workforce: A systematic literature review from Pakistan. Sustainability. 2022;14(18):11552. doi.10.3390/su141811552 Crossref | Google Scholar 24. Lee HF, Chang YJ. The Effects of Work Satisfaction and Work Flexibility on Burnout in Nurses. J Nurs Res. 2022;30(6):e240. doi.10.1097/jnr.0000000000000522 PubMed | Crossref | Google Scholar 25. Sullivan AB, Davin SA, Lapin B, et al. Effects of flexible scheduling and virtual visits on burnout for clinicians: 1- year follow-up. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2023;75:104721. doi.10.1016/j.msard.2023.104721 PubMed | Crossref | Google Scholar 26. Okemwa DO. Influence of Work-Life Balance Initiatives on Commitment of Nurses in Public Hospitals in Kenya. Doctoral dissertation. Jomo Kenyatta University; 2022. Influence of Work-Life Balance Initiatives on Commitment of Nurses in Public Hospitals in Kenya 27. Omar WRW, Zaid DDM, Mohamad N, Ismail Z. Conceptualizing the Impact of Work-Life Balance on Job Satisfaction - Can the Issues be resolved among Nurses? J Emerg Econ Islam Res. 2021;9(1):1-15. Conceptualizing the Impact of Work-Life Balance on Job Satisfaction - Can the Issues be resolved among Nurses 28. Cvenkel N. Work-life balance and well-being at work: Employees' perspective to promote a psychologically healthy workplace. The Palgrave Handbook of Corporate Social Responsibility. Springer International Publishing; 2020:1-23. Crossref | Google Scholar 29. Bartlett MJ, Arslan FN, Bankston A, Sarabipour S. Ten simple rules to improve academic work-life balance. PLoS Comput Biol. 2021;17(7):e1009124. doi.10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009124 PubMed | Crossref | Google Scholar