The impact of work-life balance on job satisfaction and organisational commitment in higher education in KwaZulu-Natal

This paper investigates how work-life balance affects job satisfaction and organisational commitment among academic and non-academic personnel in higher education institutions in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Increasingly, in recent years, institutional pressures and professional expectations have come under fire for their influence on the well-being and motivation of university staff members. Though work-life balance affects job happiness and organisational commitment in the higher education sector concurrently, few empirical research in South Africa have looked at this in light of the worldwide movement towards employee health. Rooted on the interpretivist paradigm, this study uses a qualitative, descriptive approach. Ten academic and administrative staff members at the Richfield Institute of Graduates were interviewed semi-structured to gather data. Long working hours, administrative pressure, and lack of personal time were identified by the study to harm worker satisfaction and impair organisational commitment. Many of those who answered said they felt emotional tiredness and work-related stress, which led to lower motivation and performance. Employees showed more job satisfaction and greater emotional connection to the company where institutions encouraged flexible work policies, management assistance, and team-oriented workplace cultures. The research shows that a good work-life balance increases general well-being among employees as well as more organisational loyalty and drive. It advises universities to adopt unambiguous rules and support systems meant to enhance staff work-life integration. Inclusive settings that assist personnel holistically help to sustain human resource practices and improve institutional performance. This study adds to the larger conversation on human resource management in academia and provides useful ideas for university administrators, legislators, and HR experts trying to promote better working conditions in South Africa's higher education scene. Key Words:Work-Life Balance, Job satisfaction, Organisational commitment, Higher education, Employee well-being