Date of Publication

8-2021

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Behavioral Sciences with a track in Organizational and Social Systems Development

Subject Categories

Social and Behavioral Sciences

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Behavioral Sciences

Thesis Advisor

Melvin A. Jabar

Defense Panel Chair

Myla M. Arcinas

Defense Panel Member

Marlon D. Era
Wilfred Luis L. Clamor

Abstract/Summary

This study explored the experiences of risks and work-life balance among death care workers of Zen Gardens Chapels, Crematorium and Columbarium. In depth interviews were conducted among ten (10) key informants. This study was examined in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of the research show that death care workers have different perceptions with regards to the risks present in the workplace. Some workers consider their job to be risky, while some do not. Regardless of their perceptions of risk, the findings of the study show that death care workers have various experiences of risk. These include safety risks such as machine malfunctions and exposure to chemical hazards, health risks such as COVID-19 transmission, physical risks such as injuries and disablement and emotional risks such as compassion fatigue. Furthermore, findings of the study demonstrate that the risk experiences play a role in the worker’s work-life balance. Workers value the idea of spending quality time with family. However, some workers claim that they spend more time at work and less time with family. The nature of the work and the demands that comes with it during the COVID-19 pandemic somehow constrained some informants to enjoy the boundary between home and work. In form, the boundary of work and home was perspicuously articulated by the informants. In substance, however, such boundary is becoming obscure. There seems to be fluidity in terms of how the informants wade across a river of contesting demands between work and family life. Such fluidity is due partly to the fact that one’s sacrifice at work will better family life conditions. This study concludes that, regardless of risk perceptions, death care workers are prone to experience various risks in the workplace and in turn, influences their work and family life.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Physical Description

[105 leaves]

Keywords

COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-; Death care industry; Death care industry--Employees; Death care industry—Risk factors

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Embargo Period

10-21-2021

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