Abstract:
Social media has the potential to serve as a powerful tool in promoting volunteerism and
improving employees' work-life integration by facilitating non-profit organizations and
employers to expand their reach, engage with volunteers in real-time, and foster a sense of
community around a shared cause. The impact of online volunteering on an individual's sense
of purpose and fulfillment beyond work is uncertain, as more professionals are turning
towards it. Furthermore, the impact of such activities on work-life integration is ambiguous,
with uncertain effects on an employee's ability to balance work and personal life. To bridge
this knowledge gap, our aim is to investigate the potential for employees to effectively
integrate their work and life responsibilities while participating in online volunteering
activities. In order to accomplish this objective, a qualitative methodology has been
employed, specifically utilizing a single case study design. The study's findings regarding the
research question yielded two primary themes on the potential for doctors to participate in
online volunteering activities while integrating their work and personal life: central
participants and peripheral participants. In conclusion, doctors who engage in online
volunteering and strive to attain a balance between their work and personal life encounter a
complex situation, heavily influenced by their organizational environment, individual traits,
and their approach to managing work-life demands.
