PRODUCTIVITY UNDER PRESSURE: THE ROLE OF WORKLOAD, BURNOUT, AND WORK–LIFE BALANCE AMONG WORKING STUDENTS

Abstract

Final-year university students who simultaneously engage in academic responsibilities and employment often face complex challenges that may affect their productivity. Managing academic demands, work obligations, and personal life requires effective balance and resilience, particularly among students in Accounting and Management programs, where academic and professional workloads are intensive. This study aims to examine the effects of workload, burnout, and work–life balance on the productivity of working final-year students in Bachelor’s degree programs in Accounting and Management in Banjarmasin. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 157 final-year students who are actively working while completing their studies through structured questionnaires. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to test the proposed relationships. The results indicate that workload and work–life balance have a significant and positive effect on student productivity, suggesting that manageable workloads and a healthy balance between work, study, and personal life can enhance students’ ability to perform effectively. In contrast, burnout shows a negative but statistically insignificant effect on productivity, indicating that although burnout tends to reduce productivity, its impact is not strong enough to be considered a determining factor in this context. These findings provide important insights into the dynamics of productivity among working students. The positive influence of workload suggests that appropriately structured work responsibilities may foster discipline, time efficiency, and skill development. Meanwhile, the significant role of work–life balance highlights the necessity of maintaining equilibrium between academic, professional, and personal domains. The results imply that universities and employers should collaborate in designing flexible academic schedules, supportive work environments, and student-centered policies to sustain productivity among working students. Practically, this study offers guidance for higher education institutions in Banjarmasin to develop academic support systems and counseling services that promote balance and well-being. Future research is encouraged to incorporate longitudinal approaches and explore additional psychological or organizational factors that may further explain productivity among working students.