Fatigue Among Cabin Crew and Work-Life Balance: A Qualitative Study in the Turkish Context

Abstract

In the context of literature review, it can be observed that information regarding the fatigue levels of cabin crew generally relies on quantitative data obtained from the flight crew. Considering that cabin crew members also have their own personal lives, it is believed that managing work fatigue and achieving work-life balance are crucial for them to sustain their lives in a healthy manner. However, it is rarely investigated in the literature what the views of cabin crew members are regarding fatigue and what strategies can be employed to reduce fatigue. Therefore, in order to better understand the causes and consequences of cabin crew fatigue, participants' experiences related to fatigue and how fatigue affects work-life balance were examined through semi-structured interviews using phenomenological analysis. Twenty cabin crew employees participated in the study. The analysis revealed three main themes titled "Perception of fatigue in cabin crew members, The impact of fatigue on work-life balance and Strategies for coping with fatigue" along with eight sub-themes that elucidate these themes. Based on the findings, recommendations are provided at the individual and organizational levels to reduce fatigue in cabin crew members, ensure work-life balance, and enhance productivity.

Keywords

• Fatigue
• Work-life balance
• Aviation psychology
• Psychological counselling
• Cabin crew

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