Work-Life Balance of Teachers in Bihar: A Study of College Teachers

Abstract

Work-life balance (WLB) has emerged as a critical issue, especially in professions like teaching where the demand for both personal and professional time is high. This study explores the work-life balance (WLB) of college teachers in Bihar, focusing on the challenges they face in managing professional responsibilities and personal commitments. Teaching is a demanding profession that requires significant time and emotional investment, and when compounded with personal duties, it can lead to stress and dissatisfaction. This research examines factors such as workload, personal responsibilities, institutional support, and overall satisfaction with work-life balance among teachers in both public and private colleges. A structured questionnaire with 30 questions was distributed to 200 college teachers across Bihar. The questionnaire was divided into four sections: demographic information, professional workload, personal responsibilities, and work-life balance satisfaction. A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess the degree of satisfaction and stress levels associated with WLB. The findings reveal that many teachers experience high levels of stress due to excessive workloads, lack of institutional support, and personal responsibilities. Significant differences were observed between male and female teachers, with female teachers reporting greater challenges in balancing household duties with professional responsibilities. The study highlights the need for better institutional policies, such as flexible working hours and mental health support, to improve teachers' work-life balance. These changes could enhance job satisfaction, reduce stress, and lead to better overall performance in the academic sector.