Perceptions on Flexible Working Hours and Work-Life Balance Among Hospital Employees in a Department of Health -Retained Hospital

Work-life balance is vital for health, mental, relationships, and employee productivity and performance. The study utilized the descriptive, correlational design to assess the interrelationship among profiles, perceptions on flexible working hours, and work-life -balance among hospital employees of St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital (SAMCH) in Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City for 1st quarter of 2023. The findings of the study revealed that just over half of the respondents were young adults between the ages of 19 to 35 years old (n=45). The majority of the respondents were female (n=56) and married (n=54). Additionally, most of them identified as Roman Catholics (n=72) and approximately half of them held college degrees (n=51). The majority of the respondents came from the administrative and support groups. In terms of the years of service, over one-third of the respondents have served for two to five years already (n=27). Moreover, almost a quarter of the respondents reported having four family members at home (n=20). The perception on flexible working hours was generally good; however, the work-life balance of the respondents was only good. Factors such as age, gender, civil status, religion, highest education attainment, department, years of service, and number of household family members at home did not correlate with the perception of flexible working hours. However, religion did have a significant impact on work interference with personal life. On the other hand, factors such as age, gender, civil status, highest level of education, department, years of service, and number of household family members at home did not show any significant relationship with work interference with personal life. There was no correlation found between any of the following factors: age, gender, civil status, religion, highest level of education completed, department, years of service, and number of household family members at home, with regards to personal life interference with work, work-personal life enhancement, and work-life balance. All the independent variables—dimensions of flexible working hours and overall perceptions on flexible working hours were significantly correlated with work-life balance. In response to the study’s findings, a proposed flexible work arrangement guideline was developed.