Analyzing Work Life Balance Challenges Faced by Female Professors in Colleges in Coimbatore

Work-life balance is a big issue in academia, especially for women professors who have to juggle many roles at work and at home. Women employed in colleges frequently encounter heightened responsibilities, including teaching, research, administrative tasks, and familial commitments, which may impact their overall well-being. The current study seeks to examine the work-life balance difficulties encountered by female professors in higher education institutions. The specific objectives of the study are to examine the factors affecting work– life balance among women, analyse the level of work-related stress experienced by them, study the impact of work–life balance on job satisfaction and personal well-being, and understand the role of family support in managing work and personal responsibilities. The work-life imbalance among female professors is further exacerbated by performance pressure, strict work schedules, and insufficient institutional support systems. Long-term imbalance can undermine academic success by causing burnout, decreased productivity, and deteriorating mental and physical health. Balance and well-being can be greatly enhanced by having access to daycare options, flexible work schedules, and stress-reduction initiatives. In order to create gender-sensitive policies that encourage inclusivity, improve job satisfaction, and support women academicians' long-term career sustainability, higher education institutions must have a thorough awareness of these issues. In order to improve overall well-being, minimise burnout, and support sustained professional growth in higher education institutions, mentorship programs, peer support networks, and focused workshops assist female faculty in developing effective coping strategies, improving time management, lowering stress, and fostering resilience.