Comparison of Work-Life Balance Between Online and Face-to-Face Nurse Educators

Work-life balance (WLB) is a key contributor to faculty attrition, potentially worsening the nursing faculty shortage. This study used mixed methods to explore differences in WLB between online and face-to-face nursing faculty. Data from 38 full-time faculty indicated that most perceived their work-life as unbalanced and were overwhelmed by workload demands. Online teaching was perceived as providing a better balance but was associated with greater boundary blurring and more evening and weekend work. Qualitative findings identify workload and boundary issues as key influences on WLB. Evidence-based strategies to support faculty retention and sustainability are needed.