BETWEEN PROFESSIONAL AND PRIVATE LIFE: AN ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENCES IN SATISFACTION AMONG NON-MEDICAL STAFF
BETWEEN PROFESSIONAL AND PRIVATE LIFE: AN ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENCES IN SATISFACTION AMONG NON-MEDICAL STAFF

Summary/Abstract: Work–life balance has become an increasingly important topic in modern organisations, particularly in the healthcare sector, where employees often face high workloads, long working hours, and demanding organisational environments. While most research focuses primarily on medical staff, considerably less attention has been devoted to non-medical employees who also play an essential role in the functioning of healthcare institutions. Understanding their work conditions and satisfaction is therefore important for developing effective human resource policies and supportive organisational environments. The aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing employee satisfaction with work–life balance and to examine respondents’ satisfaction with opportunities to achieve it. The study also explored the main challenges that employees face when attempting to balance their professional and private responsibilities. The research was conducted using a questionnaire survey among non-medical staff employed in a public healthcare institution in Slovenia. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and independent-samples t-tests. The findings indicate that respondents are, on average, satisfied with their level of work–life balance. Flexible working hours and additional days off for family responsibilities were identified as the most important factors supporting work–life balance. The most significant challenges reported by respondents were childcare responsibilities, long working hours, and caregiving obligations toward elderly family members. The study also examined differences in satisfaction with work–life balance opportunities between employees working standard schedules and those working weekends or overtime. No statistically significant differences were found, suggesting that perceived control, fairness, and organisational support may play a more decisive role than working hours alone. Similarly, no statistically significant differences were observed between employees whose main challenge is childcare and those caring for elderly family members. These findings support contemporary research indicating that organisational support measures should not focus solely on parents but should address the needs of all employees with caregiving responsibilities. The findings highlight the importance of organisational support, flexible work arrangements, and positive interpersonal relationships in promoting employee well-being. The study suggests that healthcare organisations should develop comprehensive policies that support all employees with caregiving responsibilities, not only parents of young children but also those caring for elderly or dependent family members.

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