Work-Life Balance and Academic Performance among Undergraduate Students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between work-life balance and academic performance among undergraduate students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University. The motivation to carry out this study was due to the increasing number of undergraduate students engaging in paid work during term time. Guided by two objectives, the methodological approach adopted involved the use of a cross sectional research design in which quantitative approaches were employed. Data collection was done with the help of structured questionnaires from 80 respondents. The outcome of this study revealed that 43.8 percent of the working students had white collar jobs and were working day shift and also had a second class upper grade. The study also revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between work life balance and perceived academic performance (r = 0.72, p = 0.01); and actual performance measured using CGPA (r = 0.67, p = 0.01). Lastly, despite the fact that working students are more strained and stressed in trying to balance work/life/study demands, they end up giving in more time to work especially those in full time paid employment which later influences their academic performance and grades. In view of the findings and conclusions, recommendations were made.