The perceived impact of flexible working hours on work-life balance in the educational sector in Finland: a qualitative research study

Abstract

Objectives

The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between flexible working hours and work-life balance in the educational sector in Finland. Furthermore, researching this main objective was done by analyzing and critically reviewing the literature on the flexibility and work-life balance, by interviewing teachers about their work flexibility and by theoretically analyzing and by interpreting the data gathered from the interviews.

Summary

This study examines the perceived impact of flexible working hours on work-life balance in the educational sector in Finland. The literature review explains the history and development of work-life balance practices and flexible working arrangements. It talks about teaching as a profession and reveals the perceived teacher workload and work-life balance. Furthermore, a qualitative research was conducted in Finland which aimed to provide new, in-depth information and understanding about the relationship between flexible working hours and work-life balance.

Conclusions

The findings of the research indicated that the perceived teacher work-life balance in Finland is satisfactory. However, teacher workload has increased significantly. Teachers’ work is also very seasonal since there are busier periods such as exam weeks, which increase considerably work, stress and pressure. Therefore, work-life balance fluctuates as well as the amount of flexibility. One finding is that teachers perceived flexible working hours to be a positive thing. However, it was found that flexibility is more beneficial for the work life than for the non-work life. Flexible working hours can be risky since flexibility can easily lead to work colonializing the other aspects of life. Therefore, flexible working hours do not necessarily affect positively work-life balance. In addition, strategies were found to have a decisive role when utilizing flexible working hours to maintain a good work-life balance.