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Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1037/ipp0000147

This study explored the experiences of work–life balance (WLB) of development nongovernment organization (NGO) workers in the Philippines. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to make sense of the data gathered from semistructured interviews with 6 NGO fieldworkers. Findings surfaced 3 superordinate themes arising from the WLB experiences of NGO workers as (a) work–life synthesis (WLS) rather than WLB characterized by perceiving that work is life, living out one’s calling, and having integrated relationships; (b) challenges disrupting WLS such as heavy and unpredictable workload, unintended spillover, and fatigue; and (c) the presence of both internal and external factors enabling WLS. This study contributes to psychological literature by introducing a new conception of WLB as WLS outside its conventionally associated corporate interpretation. Practical implications of this study include the identification of several enabling and hindering factors affecting the WLS of NGO workers that could be addressed by organizational leaders and/or human resource management units of NGOs.

Impact and Implications

This study looked into the experiences of work–life balance (WLB) among national, nongovernment organization (NGO) development workers in the Philippines. NGOs are private, voluntary social organizations that contribute to social change by empowering the marginalized (Lampauog, 1996). These organizations contribute to the attainment of most, if not all, of the United Nations sustainable development goals at the global and local levels. The sustainable development goals highlight the importance of decent and sustainable work opportunities and conditions as well as the promotion of good health and well-being. However, the wellness of NGO workers seems to take a back seat as resources and efforts of these organizations are directed toward the communities and sectors that they serve (Batti, 2014). This research ascribes to Giri and Ufford’s (2003) notion of the “care of the self” where caring for other people is deemed to be more effectively complemented by caring for the self. It specifically examines the experiences of balancing work and nonwork aspects of an NGO worker’s life as well as the barriers and enablers of achieving WLB. Findings of the study will hopefully orient people management programs that promote workers’ wellness in NGOs.

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