Equilibrium in the Classroom: A Systematic Review of Strategies for Work-Life Balance among Mathematics Teachers

Abstract

Creating a work balance between private and professional lives among employees remains daunting.
\nHence, a lack of equilibrium between work and family can result in stress, anxiety, and poor health,
\nultimately affecting organizational productivity. A plethora of literature has shown that Mathematics
\nteachers experience more unique stressors at work due to the difficulty of subjects, workload,
\nadministrative tasks, and lesson note preparation. As a result, the pressure emanating from the
\nimbalance between private and professional lives negatively impacts Mathematics teachers. The
\nwork-life balance has become a critical factor even among job seekers in deciding which job offer to
\naccept.This review examines the factors contributing to the imbalance of work and personal life
\namong mathematics teachers, including job demands, classroom management, and administrative
\nresponsibilities. This systematic review identifies the practices and practical strategies to help
\nmathematics teachers manage their workload and achieve a healthy work-life balance. A PRISMA
\nprotocol was adopted for this review, while a thorough search of the Scopus bibliographic database
\nwas used to identify 99 academic papers. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria forin-depth
\nanalysis. Overall, the paper provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities
\nassociated with achieving equilibrium in the classroom and offers practical strategies and
\nrecommendations for mathematics teachers struggling to balance their professional and personal
\nlives. Thus, this paper will serve as reference material for Mathematics and STEM teachers in learning
\ncoping strategies to create an equilibrium between the classroom and private lives.