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Creating a better work-life balance

Abstract:

Co-operative inquiry, an action research approach, was selected to investigate the work-life balance of 16 caseloading midwives living in Auckland. For some of the midwives the tension between their professional and personal commitments was at times hard to control, as they believed they needed always to be there for the women in their care. Thus burnout was a risk from the continuous on call nature of their role. The participants met with the researcher in a series of focus groups for dialogue and inspiration as they evaluated their individual practice assumptions. Thus together they became co-participants and co-researchers in the study. The midwives reflected on and re-evaluated their assumptions about their practice roles and in particular their relationships with women and with colleagues. Resolutions to make and sustain change involved weighing up the options available and stepping out to create new relationships and new ways of working. Further, the findings in the study lead to the development of a work-life balance tool for midwives.

10.1278/nzcomjnl49.2014.1.3-8

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action change, Caseloading, continuity of care, personal well-being, reflexivity, work-life balance