The work-life balance, leisure and wellbeing of working parents with toddlers during the Covid-19 crisis in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the South African government implemented social isolation during varying lockdown levels. Among others, leisure spaces (e.g. beaches, parks and restaurants) were closed, schools and Early Childhood Development centres were closed and most employees (who were not regarded as essential) were forced to work from home. This influenced parents with toddlers, especially their work-life balance, personal leisure time and wellbeing. This study aimed to determine the interconnectedness of work-life balance, leisure and the wellbeing of parents facing crises. The study was approached from a pragmatic, post-positivist worldview. The research method comprised methodological triangulation through descriptive statistics, inferential statistics (i.e. Pearson correlations), and interviews by using a sequential mixed methods approach within an embedded single case study design. As a result, both quantitative data (Phase 1: questionnaire, n=140) and qualitative data (Phase 2: semi-structured interviews, n=10) were combined to optimally address the research problem. The unique stories and experiences of parents were explored while valuing both subjectivity and objectivity throughout the study. The findings indicate that working parents with toddlers neglect themselves in attempts to be ‘better’ parents. However, the opposite appears to be true. Parents who made time for themselves to engage in activities of their choice (not to predominantly keep their toddlers occupied), experienced better overall wellbeing and balanced work and life domains better. Parents who neglected time for themselves, due to several variables (lack of support, social isolation, lack of resources, role changes) reported a negative overall wellbeing and work-life balance. The study provides guidelines to working parents with young children and employers who employ parents on the significance of personal leisure to improve overall wellbeing and work-life balance. It suggests changes or adaptations of policies, such as the National Sport and Recreation Plan and Basic Conditions of Employment Act, no. 75 of 1997 to align with parents’ personal leisure needs – especially when being faced with crises. A conceptual framework for personal leisure, as a tool to enhance work-life balance and wellbeing during a crisis, was also developed. This should ideally be used by the research fraternity across disciplines to aid with the wellbeing of South African citizens.