Work-Life Balance and Faculty Morale A Study among Self-Financing Colleges in Salem District, Tamil Nadu

This study explores the intricate relationship between work-life balance (WLB) and faculty morale within self-financing engineering colleges in Salem district, Tamil Nadu. Faculty members in these institutions often face excessive workloads, limited job security, and a lack of institutional support, exacerbated by evolving educational policies such as NEP 2020 and OBE frameworks. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the research surveyed 210 faculty members through structured questionnaires and applied statistical tools including correlation and regression analysis. Results reveal a strong positive relationship between institutional support and faculty morale, with institutional support emerging as a more significant predictor than work-life balance. The study also highlights the gendered challenges faced by female faculty due to socio-cultural expectations. The findings underscore the critical need for supportive institutional policies and flexible work arrangements to enhance faculty well-being, morale, and retention. This research contributes to the limited body of literature on WLB and morale in semi-urban, self-financing academic contexts and offers actionable recommendations for educational policymakers and administrators.