Date

3-2022

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Jerry Green

Keywords

Work-Life Balance, Mindfulness, COVID-19, Pandemic, Homeschool, Working Remotely

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

The negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have created a need for change in both personal and professional lives; however, due to the abrupt newness of the virus, there has been limited research. The purpose of this quantitative study is to examine mindfulness (via FFMQ), work-life balance (via WLB survey) and potential stressors among employees who have been affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic. An exploratory analysis of how mindfulness and work-life balance has played a role in employees’ adaptation to working during a pandemic will be conducted. An in-depth literature analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between mindfulness and WLB. This study participants (N = 505) completed an online survey via Survey Monkey®. The participants were recruited using social media. The survey included a demographic section, the FFMQ and WLB survey. After completing the collection process, the data was analyzed using SPSS Data Editor 27.1.0 by using a series of analysis including independent samples t-test, Pearson’s r, Shapiro Wilk test of Normality, Levene’s test of equality, and a regression analysis. The findings showed participants who worked remotely scored higher on WLB than onsite workers. FFMQ scores were higher for remote workers verses workers on-site. Findings also showed as FFMQ scores increase so to do WLB scores (r (503) = .482, p < .001). Moreover, in general, participants who homeschooled during the pandemic scored higher FFMQ scores. Finally, the data showed participants who worked remotely (verses worked on-site) and homeschooled have higher scores on WLB. Furthermore, this study looks at potential proposals for initiatives within personal, professional and organizations to increase mindfulness and WLB. When combing the data analysis, it becomes clear that mindfulness has an impact on work-life balance in working participants and participants who homeschooled during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Theoretical limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed for personal and professional lives as well as organizational initiatives.

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