Abstract
What we expect in terms of a separation between work and life changes as cultural norms and values evolve. This study examined the current perceptions of professionals in the field of development and fundraising regarding work-life balance, boundaries, and organizational norms and expectations regarding physical and psychological work outside of typical hours. Using an original research survey of 90 fundraising professionals, this study expands the existing literature on work-life balance and expectations at work by representing the perceptions of a new population, and by illustrating employees' perspectives rather than the organizational or human resources perspective. What emerges from the data are specific conditions that negatively impact workers’ overall job satisfaction and mental and physical health as well as the conditions that support healthy, engaged employees. The data also demonstrates that there is a desire and need for leaders to be more active in setting work expectations and work-life boundaries.
