Business Commons^™

The Causes And Implications Of Burnout Among Graduate Assistants, Katherine Mary Kuka

Masters Theses

Introduction & Background

Acting as both a student and staff member of a university, the unique role of graduate assistants can often become a catalyst of burnout and stress. Recent studies found 60% of graduate assistants met the criteria for burnout (Park et al., 2021) and 43% of graduate students claim to be experiencing more stress than they can handle (Allen et al., 2021). In this case, burnout is defined as, “A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress” (Parker & Tavella, 2022). Graduate assistants are a subpopulation of graduate students that is growing …

Why I Chose To Practice In Rural Michigan, Lisenia M. Collazo Dmd, Mph

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the motivations behind dentists choosing rural practice, focusing on personal experiences and factors influencing career decisions. The narrative outlines the author’s journey from Pennsylvania to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, emphasizing a commitment to addressing oral health disparities in underserved communities. The discussion covers training experiences, financial considerations, community engagement, and the challenges of rural health care. The author also highlights the role of mentorship and advocates for building relationships with mentors in the profession, especially in rural settings. The essay underscores rural practice’s unique advantages, including professional growth, lower living costs, and a supportive community.

The Mda Member Assistance Program: Real Help When You Need It, Lisa Knowles Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This health and well-being feature focuses on the MDA Member Assistance Program, an invaluable resource for dentists navigating the myriad challenges of professional and personal life. The author shares personal experiences and testimonials, highlighting the diverse benefits offered by the program, from mental health counseling to work-life resources. The article emphasizes the program's accessibility, confidentiality, and the wide range of topics it addresses, making it a crucial tool for dentists seeking support and guidance.

Does Work-Life Boundary Management Improve Work-Life Balance For Remote Workers: A Critically Appraised Topic, Danyelle L. Berger

Engaged Management ReView

This topic paper examines whether managing the boundaries between work life and personal life positively affects work-life balance in the context of remote work. The research that forms the basis of this topic paper is derived from five scholarly, peer-reviewed articles relevant to the stated purpose. The findings are mixed. In the long term, they indicate that successful management of the boundaries between work life and personal life affects work-life balance positively, while non-management of boundaries affects work-life balance negatively. In the short term, the findings demonstrate that managing boundaries in a way that allows for temporary and deliberate weakening …

Is It Time For Four? An Analysis Of The Four-Day Workweek, Emma T. Bernstein

Student Publications

Have you ever sat down on a Sunday night wishing that your weekend did not fly by and was a bit longer? Do you sometimes wish you had more time to do the things you love outside of work? This is where the four-day workweek comes in. Over time, we have seen the standard United States workweek evolve from what was once a sixty-hour week, to a forty-hour week, and now we see that four-day, compressed workweeks are being implemented across not only the United States, but around the world. Increasing amounts of attention have been going towards work-life balance, …

Examining Religiosity, Spirituality, And Work-Life Choice Among Graduate Psychology Students In U.S. Programs, Patrick T. Slowinski

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Religiosity and spirituality have been found to positively affect health, longevity, and happiness in some studies. However, a dearth of U.S. - based research on the relationship among religiosity and spirituality and work-life choice (also known as work-life balance, work-life conflict, and work-life integration) exists. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship among religiosity and spirituality and work-life choice in online graduate psychology programs at universities in the United States. One hundred forty-three respondents completed 44 Likert-scaled items from previously validated instruments: the Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory-10 (SISRI-24), the Religious Commitment Inventory-10 (RCI-10), and the Work-Life …

Exploring Factors For Employee Attrition And Retention By Life Stage, Robert Joshua Whitton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The objective of this study was to evaluate if a relationship exists between factors for push (attrition) and pull (retention) and employee life stage. With job attrition rates increasing almost 10% in the last 10 years and employers paying $2.4 trillion in 2021 because of employee turnover, the need to understand what drives retention and attrition remains very real. A survey, containing a demographics section and items rated on a Thurstone-like scale, was administered to full-time employees in the United States. Four hundred and eighty participants responded to the survey, but after removing responses that were incomplete or were completed …

Effective Strategies For Using Telecommuting By Owners Of Small Businesses, Thomas Law

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Small business owners who lack effective strategies to incorporate telecommuting may be unable to retain teleworking employees, create a flexible working environment, or improve workforce morale, negatively impacting company productivity and profitability. Grounded in transformational leadership theory and sociotechnical systems theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies small business owners use to incorporate telecommuting to retain teleworking employees. Data were collected from five small business owners in Texas with at least 1 year of management experience and created and maintained remote working strategies. Data collection included semistructured interviews and company documents. Three themes emerged …

Effective Strategies For Using Telecommuting By Owners Of Small Businesses, Thomas Law

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Small business owners who lack effective strategies to incorporate telecommuting may be unable to retain teleworking employees, create a flexible working environment, or improve workforce morale, negatively impacting company productivity and profitability. Grounded in transformational leadership theory and sociotechnical systems theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies small business owners use to incorporate telecommuting to retain teleworking employees. Data were collected from five small business owners in Texas with at least 1 year of management experience and created and maintained remote working strategies. Data collection included semistructured interviews and company documents. Three themes emerged …

Work Life Balance: Organizational Leadership And Best Practices To Overcome Burnout For Female Realtors, Carmen Sarkis

Theses and Dissertations

Women Realtors in residential real estate have a difficult time avoiding burnout and are commonly ineffective in achieving work life balance (WLB). This qualitative, phenomenological research study focused on understanding the issues of WLB and burnout which female Realtors faced, and best strategies in overcoming these issues. There were four main research questions and a total of 12 interview questions which were used as a method to collect data for research purposes. Fifteen participants who met the criteria of inclusion as discussed in Chapter 3 participated in this study, and were located using LinkedIn, and the National Association of Realtors. …

Towards A Revised Model For Cpa Firm Ownership And Compensation In A Tight Labor Market And A Changing Culture, Andrew Thomas

Dissertations

The Post Senior Manager (PSM) position is a relatively new development in accounting firms. PSMs are accountants who do not make partner either by personal choice or firm decision. Research relating to PSMs in large firms has indicated that demographics, especially gender, work-life balance issues, managerial skill, and geographic preferences, play a role in determining who becomes a PSM. Research also notes that PSMs are viewed as economically vital to firms since their high skill level and billed hours represent an essential component of firm revenue. At the same time, research notes that PSMs are often viewed unfavorably for not …

Staff Matters: Should You Create A Combined Pto Bank?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Consider consolidating separate leave banks into a combined Paid Time Off (PTO) system to simplify administration and boost employee flexibility. PTO allows staff to use their leave days for any purpose without providing a reason. While it fosters trust and personal accountability, it may lead to employees saving days for vacations and working while sick. A PTO policy should address availability, employee type, coordination, and communication to encourage PTO utilization, prevent burnout, and enhance work-life balance.

Trends And Expectations For Dentistry, Christopher J. Smiley Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The dental industry is experiencing significant changes, with the rise of Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) and corporate dentistry as a dominant model. Economic trends have attracted venture capitalists to invest in dentistry, leading to the growth of DSOs. While some practitioners worry about losing independence, the trend toward DSOs is driven by practice sales by retiring dentists, high educational debt for graduates limiting their ability to finance a traditional practice purchase, and the need for investment to modernize and achieve efficiencies. A desire for work-life balance may guide a clinician to choose this practice option. The number of solo practitioners …

Meet New Mda President Vince Benivegna, David Foe Ma

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In an interview with the Journal, Dr. Vince Benivegna, incoming Michigan Dental Association (MDA) President, shares insights into his goals, challenges facing Michigan dentists, and the value of organized dentistry. As an oral surgeon and seasoned MDA volunteer, Dr. Benivegna addresses issues such as staffing shortages, dental supplies, and the evolving practice environment. He emphasizes the MDA's role in advocacy, mentorship, and supporting diverse dental professionals. Discussing the opioid crisis, Dr. Benivegna highlights dentistry's contributions while acknowledging the need for ongoing efforts. The interview provides a comprehensive view of leadership, professional growth, and work-life balance in organized dentistry.

Staff Matters: Attracting Qualified Candidates, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In the current competitive job market, dental practices face challenges in recruiting qualified staff. This Staff Matters column explores strategies to stand out and attract candidates, addressing the impact of the "great resignation" and the projected growth in dental openings. Suggestions include offering part-time positions for increased flexibility, considering evening appointments, providing additional benefits like childcare support, attending to the practice's image through positive online reviews and marketing, and building a future workforce through partnerships with educational institutions.

Pandemic As Panacea: The Positive Long-Term Impact Of Forced Innovation In The Legal Industry, J. Mark Phillips

The Journal of Business, Entrepreneurship & the Law

Despite the untold disruption the COVID-19 pandemic continues to inflict upon the legal industry, several positive outcomes may ultimately emerge. These unexpected gains may not only improve the practice of law but also address long-standing weaknesses in the industry. In this article, I utilize Roger’s Innovation Diffusion model to shed preliminary light on the unprecedented phenomenon of forced, comprehensive, and immediate adoption of new technology throughout the legal industry. While doing so, I highlight the way this sudden adoption will likely change perceptions regarding perennial areas of tension, such as mental health and work-life balance. Finally, I argue that the …

Gender Differences In The Impact Of Worklife On Executives’ Psychological Health, Marcus B. Mueller

WCBT Faculty Publications

The Impact of Worklife on Executives’ Psychological Health Purpose: This is the first scientific research studying the impact of worklife factors on executives’ psychological health by gender. The study has a particular focus on the factors of ‘Community’ and ‘Work-life balance’.

Design: Survey data were collected from N=481 senior executives to measure seven worklife factors and psychological health. Standardized regression analysis was performed for each worklife in a regression model predicting psychological health by gender.

Findings: Results showed significant differences between female and male senior executives in the profiles of seven worklife factors in terms of their relationship with …

Work-Life Balance Effective Strategies To Enhance Personal And Professional Success, Cheryl Lentz

Publications

Two components of academic excellence are continuity and predictability (Noddings, 1991; Pierantoni, 2017). Students need academic consistency, especially at the early elementary levels, for optimal learning (Hemmeter et al., 2006; Pierantoni, 2017). Continuity and predictability are interrupted by internal and external factors that are sometimes beyond the control of education stakeholders (Coleman & Collinge, 2006). The unpredictability of crises can negatively affect people and disrupt the education sector and peoples’ livelihoods. Education systems, families, students, and educators struggle to maintain optimal learning environments because of the 2020 pandemic (Coleman & Collinge, 2006). Learning poverty means children are unable to read …

Strategies Small Business Human Resources Leaders Use To Reduce Voluntary Employee Turnover, Kristina Afonso

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Small businesses are negatively affected when employees voluntarily leave their jobs. Small business human resources (HR) leaders who implement strategies can enhance employee job satisfaction to reduce voluntary employee turnover. Grounded in Herzberg’s two-factor theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies small business HR leaders use to reduce voluntary employee turnover. The participants were five small business HR leaders from five different organizations in southern California who successfully implemented strategies to reduce voluntary employee turnover. Data were collected from semistructured interviews and company document reviews. Data were analyzed using Yin’s five phases. Three themes …

Creating Attractive Organizations For First-Generation Americans, Joshua C. Carson

Theses and Dissertations

First-generation Americans (FGAs) entering the work force can help American organizations improve their performance in the marketplace and achieve their business objectives. However, the demographic faces unique challenges that make it necessary for employers to develop specific strategies that can attract them. This research study examines how American employers can attract and empower FGAs into their organizations. The study uses a qualitative research design to examine the study issue. The experiences, opinions, and views of FGAs entering the work force will be collected to determine how American employers can meet their needs and expectations and attract them to their organizations. …

Scandinavian Work-Life Balance Experience: Its Implementation In The United Arab Emirates (Uae) Happiness Context, Maktoom Al Mazrouei

Theses and Dissertations

Employee happiness and satisfaction are unanimously correlated to enhanced levels of productivity and efficiency, making them important for employees and employers. Scandinavian countries consistently rank highly on the world happiness index and correspondingly possess comparatively happier employees in their workplaces. Aside from the structural setting, internal components, and atmosphere of the workplace, it is primarily understood that the initiatives undertaken by Scandinavian countries in relation to the concept of work life balance are significantly important. The concept of work-life balance is cognizant of an employee’s struggle in maintaining equilibrium between work and personal life. This study could aid the United …

The Impact Of Industry 4.0 Strategy On The Work-Life Balance Of Employees, Ali S. Cetinkaya

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

The era of Industry 4.0 has been creating new opportunities for the employees, like having more flexible and spare time. It has changed their work-life balance, like spending more time for the need to learn new concepts and skills. This quantitatively designed research aimed to investigate the impact of firms’ Industry 4.0 strategy on their work-life balance in manufacturing enterprises. The survey technique was used to collect 425 valid survey data from randomly selected employees working in the manufacturing enterprises operating in Konya in Turkey. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, structural equation modeling path analysis …

It Usage In Auditing And The Impact Of Covid-19, Olivia Beechem

Undergraduate Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the world as we know it, and the audit field is no exception. The transition for a majority of public accounting firms and their clients to remote work amidst a global pandemic sparked my interest in the already rapidly evolving field of audit IT usage, which continually affects audit quality and efficiency. My research expands on existing studies completed on this topic prior to COVID-19 and includes three main research objectives. First, my research examines the usage and perceived importance of common types of IT audit applications, such as CAATs and data analytics, as …

Impact Of Work From Home Policies On Workplace Productivity And Employee Sentiments During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jenna Wilson

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

Workplace productivity can be defined as the level of efficiency in which tasks and goals are completed for a company (Kristina). It is well understood in all industries that workplace productivity is a vital factor for success in order to increase profitability and maintain employee satisfaction. Many companies attempt to positively influence productivity while maintaining high employee morale by making strategic changes to the office environment, such as providing comfortable break rooms, sophisticated technology, and employee well-being programs. But what happens when the workplace itself is redefined and an employee’s kitchen table becomes their office? Shortly after COVID-19 emerged in …

The Exacerbation Of Gender Inequality: The Effects Of Overwork On Work Outcomes, Loribeth Fitzgerald

Honors Theses

Gender disparity in the workplace is a pervasive problem that has been widely studied, especially as to why women do not progress in their careers to the same degree as their male counterparts. Measures have been established for work-family conflict, and it has been claimed that this is the main factor that prevents women from advancing in their careers. Research into the unequal distribution of time, labor, and pay has become increasingly popular as a means to understand the forces contributing to women’s stalled advancement. This study furthers this work to determine if gender inequality is a factor in overwork, …

Happy Analysts, Ole-Kristian Hope, Congcong Li, An-Ping Lin, Maryjane Rabier

Research Collection School Of Accountancy

This paper is the first to investigate the role of work-life balance in financial analysts' performance and career advancement. Using a large sample of Glassdoor reviews by financial analysts, we find a significant non-linear relation between perceived work-life balance and analyst performance and analyst career advancement. Specifically, when perceived work-life balance is relatively low, an increase in work-life balance is associated with better analyst performance and career advancement; however, when perceived work-life balance is already high, a further increase in work-life balance is associated with worse analyst performance and career advancement.

The Impact Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Egyptian Women Psychological Empowerment And Work-Life Balance, Dr. Maha Ahmed Zaki Dajani, Dr. Bassant Adel Moustafa

Business Administration

Abstract The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Egyptian Women Psychological Empowerment and Work-Life Balance. The study was conducted on (107) Egyptian working women in different sectors and located in the Greater Cairo region. An online survey link was sent directly to these respondents to answer. They were selected using the non-probability judgmental sampling method; the only criterion for inclusion was that these respondents were working women operating in the Egyptian business context. Research hypotheses were tested using correlation and multiple regression analysis. After testing the effect of Egyptian working women’s …

Strategies For Increasing Information Technology Employee Work-Life Balance, Kimberly D. Seymour

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Small to medium enterprise (SME) information technology (IT) managers’ lack of strategic planning initiatives in creating a work life balance environment has created personal and financial concerns for some employees in the United States. Managers must develop and implement strategies that increase profits and productivity as well as create work life balance. Grounded in Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies SME IT business managers used to develop and implement an employee work-life balance environment. The participants were three IT managers and two human resources business managers. Data were collected from semistructured …

Leadership Strategies To Reduce Employee Turnover In The Health Care Industry, Sheila Redmond

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In 2018, over 3.1 million the United States health care employees vacated their jobs. Leaders who lack strategies to reduce employee turnover impose a significant financial burden on health care organizations. Grounded in transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies health care leaders use to reduce employee turnover. Participants were five health care leaders from a hospital in Virginia who implemented successful strategies to reduce employee turnover. Data were collected from semistructured interviews and document reviews. The themes extracted using the thematic data analysis were work-life balance, employee engagement, training, and job …

Strategies For Managing Work-Related Stress In The Petroleum Industry, Esang Lazarus Esitikot

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

High work-related stress negatively impacts workers’ health and productivity in the Nigerian petroleum industry. Supervisors in the Nigerian petroleum industry who lack strategies to reduce work-related stress significantly lose worker health and organizational productivity. Grounded in person-environment fit theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies Nigerian petroleum industry supervisors use to manage work-related stress. Participants were six supervisors who have successfully used strategies to reduce work-related stress in the Nigerian petroleum industry. Data were collected from semistructured interviews and internal company documents relevant to reducing work-related stress and analyzed using thematic analysis. Three major …