Exploration into the work-life balance of professionals in the field of child protection
Authors
Dalton, Glenn
Issue Date
2014
Degree
BA (Hons) in Social Science
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
Items in Esource are protected by copyright. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/copyright holder.
Abstract
The aim of this research project was to gain an insight into the professionals in the field of child protection to ascertain if do not have an ideal work life balance, and if they do not what are the reasons why they do not have an ideal work-life balance. This research was completed by adapting a qualitative approach. The sample size consisted of ten participants. These participants consisted of three child welfare social workers, four family support workers and one coordinator of the family support team. The research used in depth semi-structured interviews to gather the necessary data. The data was recorded on a Dictaphone and then transcribed verbatim into N-vivo 10. The researcher used N-vivo 10 to assist the researcher to thematically analyze the data. From thematically analyzing the data it emerged that the participants did not have an ideal work-life balance. It emerged that there were a number of reasons why these participants felt they did not have an ideal work-life balance. It emerged that there were a number of stressors that had an effect on the work-life balance. these stressors included the heavy workload these participants have, that they were constantly being disturbed at work and this intern made them bring their work home which had an impact on their work-life balance.