1. Gender and work-life balance: Results of a national survey of pediatric hospitalists.
- Author
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Kim JL, Forster CS, Allan JM, Schondelmeyer A, Ruch-Ross H, Barone L, and Fromme HB
- Subjects
- Humans, Female, Male, Cross-Sectional Studies, Surveys and Questionnaires, Adult, Sex Factors, Hospitals, Pediatric, Parental Leave, Middle Aged, Work-Life Balance, Hospitalists psychology, Job Satisfaction
- Abstract
In medicine, difficulty integrating work and home can lead to decreased job satisfaction, diminished well-being, and increased turnover. Understanding the experience of pediatric hospitalists can provide insights into building a stable, long-term workforce. We aim to examine gender differences in work-life balance and parental leave for physicians practicing Pediatric Hospital Medicine., Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey study of 1096 pediatric hospitalists. Responses were collected via an online survey platform and summarized using descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and measures of central tendency. A multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associated variables and work-life balance satisfaction. We analyzed free responses on parental leave to provide nuance to quantitative survey data., Results: Five hundred and sixty-five respondents (52% response rate) completed the survey with 71% women. 343 (62%) prioritize work-life balance in career decision-making. Women report taking on more household responsibilities than their partners (41.4% vs. 8.4%; p < .001) including a larger percentage of caregiving and domestic tasks. Female gender and performing <50% caregiving were associated with decreased work-life balance satisfaction; performing <50% domestic tasks increased satisfaction. Median parental leaves were 4 weeks, with men taking significantly shorter leaves (3.5 vs. 6 weeks; p < .001) and more "paid back" time off., Conclusion: Work-life balance is an important factor in career decisions for men and women. Women perceive carrying a larger load at home. Qualitative results suggest that parental leave may be inadequate in length and salary support for men and women. This study adds insights into work-life integration in PHM., (© 2024 Society of Hospital Medicine.)
- Published
- 2024
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