Time allocation and job satisfaction for women academics: Lessons learned from the pandemic

Abstract

This chapter examines the reported job satisfaction levels of women academics in Türkiye during the pandemic in relation to the shifts in time spent in different areas of life, which are also highly associated with changing self-care routines. It focuses on how shifts in paid and unpaid workload, alongside increasing age, hopefulness for career, and financial satisfaction, affect reported job satisfaction. Results show that an increase in administrative workload during the pandemic decreases the reported job satisfaction levels overall. Among women academics who claim increased time spent on at least one component of unpaid domestic work during Covid-19, expanded administrative duties also lower job satisfaction, while an increase in the work related to research activities enhances satisfaction with one's job. Based on the findings concerning how changes in time allocation and workload predict job satisfaction, this chapter discusses institutional policy recommendations to improve women academics' satisfaction with their job that has a wider impact on their lives and the extent of self-care they practice. © 2025 selection and editorial matter, Sharon McDonough and Narelle Lemo. All rights reserved.