This paper explores how a specific context supports or hinders work-life balance (WLB) experiences focusing on women doctors and nurses in Malaysia. WLB and gender formed the conceptual basis of a qualitative study using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The 26 participants were employed across public and private healthcare sectors. A systematic multi-step data analytical procedure produced three key themes which contribute to the contemporary debate on WLB. In Malaysia, contextual factors exert a strong influence on WLB experiences for women doctors and nurses. Due to gender norms, women carry the burden of dual responsibilities for both professional and familial duties which disrupts WLB. Notably, collegiality at work facilitates WLB but is an informal mechanism rooted in a collectivist society. Finally, staff shortages in the healthcare sector also impede WLB. Based on the key themes, recommendations are made for a sustainable workforce in the Malaysian healthcare industry.

中文翻译：

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马来西亚女医生和护士工作与生活平衡的经验

本文探讨了特定背景如何支持或阻碍以马来西亚女医生和护士为重点的工作与生活平衡 (WLB) 体验。WLB 和性别构成了使用深入、半结构化访谈进行定性研究的概念基础。26 名参与者受雇于公共和私营医疗保健部门。一个系统的多步骤数据分析程序产生了三个关键主题，这些主题有助于当代关于 WLB 的辩论。在马来西亚，背景因素对女医生和护士的 WLB 体验产生了很大影响。由于性别规范，女性承担着职业和家庭职责的双重责任，这扰乱了 WLB。值得注意的是，工作中的合作有助于 WLB，但它是一种植根于集体主义社会的非正式机制。最后，医疗保健部门的人员短缺也阻碍了 WLB。根据关键主题，为马来西亚医疗保健行业的可持续劳动力提出了建议。