Abstract

MABOETA, Bonita; VAN SCHALKWYK, Izanette  and  BLOEM, Retha. Exploring the role of job resources in the well-being of women academics in the workplace. Social work (Stellenbosch. Online) [online]. 2023, vol.59, n.3, pp.248-276. ISSN 2312-7198.  http://dx.doi.org/10.15270/59-3-1137.

Despite several changes in the workplace, women still face unique challenges with harmful effects on their well-being. Job resources are a crucial buffer between job demands and workplace well-being. The aim of this article is to present the findings of a qualitative study on women academics' experiences of workplace well-being in relation to job resources. An exploratory and descriptive research design was used to investigate in what ways job resources contribute to women academics' perceptions of workplace well-being. Purposive sampling was conducted at a top-rated university in South Africa. Data were gathered through twelve semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed that women academics value a variety of job resources associated with psychological, social, physical, and organisational resources. The study also revealed the inherent job resources creating strains on women's well-being in the workplace. It is recommended that higher education institutions focus on workplace well-being from a practice, organisational, and policy perspective.

Keywords : conservation of resources; job demands-resources model; strengths perspective; South Africa; job resources; well-being; women in academia.

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