Disability and Work-Life Balance: A Case Study of ABC University

This study focuses on the use of work-life balance practices by disabled and non- disabled employees in a higher education workplace. It aims to identify the reality of work-life balance in an organisational context which should promote equal opportunities by law, as stated in the Disability Discrimination Act 2005. Several conclusions can be made. The study finds that there is no significant difference in the take up rates of work-life balance practices between disabled and non- disabled employees. Moreover, this study did not find any gender differences within the disabled employees in the use of flexible arrangement but it is evident that the use of these practices is mainly linked with the occupation, suggesting that academics are more likely to use such practices than employees in administrative posts. Reasons for not using flexible working arrangements were similar between disabled and non-disabled employees and consist of organisational culture, the role of line managers and employee’s awareness. However, business case was proven to be the most significant barrier for the introduction of such practices and their use by employees of both disabled status.