V3I11P6

Teachers’ Workload and Work-Life Balance: Basis for a Strategic Work Distribution Framework

Kert E. Jabagat^1*, Romeo M. Giducos, EdD²

Abstract

This study determined the influence of teachers’ workload on their work-life balance as a basis for a strategic work distribution framework. It used a quantitative approach and a descriptive-correlational research design with a causal approach. The respondents were 98 public elementary and secondary school teachers in Las Nieves District, Division of Agusan del Norte, who were selected through stratified random sampling. Data were gathered using a research-based questionnaire adapted from Cabello and Bonotan (2021), which was validated by experts and tested for reliability. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Spearman’s rho, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results showed that most teachers held one to three ancillary functions, had no administrative functions, and handled seven to nine teaching loads. The teachers’ work-life balance was high in all seven dimensions; Family Involvement and Job Gratification had the highest means, while Managing Fun and Leisure had the lowest. Bringing work home, job-related stress, and taking extended vacations were the indicators rated low. Ancillary functions, administrative functions, and teaching load had strong, negative, and significant relationships with all dimensions of work-life balance. Teaching load and administrative functions significantly predicted work-life balance, with teaching load having the greater effect, while ancillary functions did not. The study concluded that the heavier the teachers’ workload, particularly their teaching load, the lower their work-life balance. Hence, a strategic work distribution framework that sets the teaching load and the number of ancillary and administrative functions according to teacher rank, together with a monitoring tool and a feedback mechanism, was proposed for adoption by school heads in the district.

Keywords:

strategic work distribution framework, teachers’ workload, work-life balance