Work life balance and the Indian software industry

Abstract

This research, using a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis attempts to understand the factors that contribute to the work - family balance in the Indian software industry. Indian software industry is nearly 3 decades old and is growing at a fast pace. As a part of this study a survey questionnaire with 60 questions was developed using standard measurement scales. In addition questionnaire consisted of open-ended and demographics questions. The result is based on the valid response from 143 professional's working in the Indian software industry. The study revels that job related time stress, excess workload, role conflict and time to commute are the prime reasons for work family conflict for the professionals in the Indian software industry. This study also brings about insight into the self-management aspect that an individual needs to cultivate to create a work and family balance in his / her life. Using the analysis done on the qualitative data captured in the survey, it was found that the software industry in India lacks 'true' work family balance programs. Those programs that are currently in existence are not being implemented properly.