The Influence of Work-Life Balance and Motivation on the Learning Spirit of RPL Students in the Management Study Program at Indragiri Islamic University

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FORMOSA NEWS - Riau - Motivation Drives Learning More Than Work-Life Balance for Working University Students. A 2026 study by Pitriyansyah, Agus Maulana, and Widyawati from Indragiri Islamic University in Indonesia finds that motivation plays a far greater role than work-life balance in sustaining the learning spirit of working students. The research, published in the Formosa Journal of Sustainable Research, focuses on students enrolled in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program many of whom juggle full-time jobs alongside their studies. The findings matter as more universities expand flexible education programs for working adults.

Growing Demand for Flexible Higher Education
Across Indonesia and globally, higher education is adapting to meet the needs of non-traditional students. Programs like RPL allow professionals to convert work experience into academic credit, making university degrees more accessible. However, these students often face intense pressure as they balance job responsibilities, academic tasks, and personal life. This dual role raises a critical question: what keeps working students motivated to continue learning despite time constraints and fatigue? While work-life balance is often seen as essential for well-being and productivity, this study suggests that internal motivation may be even more important.

Simple but Effective Research Approach
The research was conducted between December 2025 and March 2026 at the second campus of Indragiri Islamic University. The study involved 113 working students from the Management Study Program, selected from a population of 157 active RPL students. Data was collected through structured questionnaires measuring two main factors: work-life balance and learning motivation. The researchers then analyzed the data using multiple linear regression with SPSS software to determine how each factor influenced students’ enthusiasm for learning. This approach allowed the research team to isolate the individual and combined effects of both variables in a clear and measurable way.

Key Findings: Motivation is the Strongest Driver

The results show a clear pattern: motivation has a dominant and statistically significant impact on students’ learning spirit, while work-life balance does not show a strong direct effect when evaluated separately.
Main findings include:

Motivation has a strong positive influence on learning enthusiasm, with a regression coefficient of 0.775

• Work-life balance does not significantly affect learning spirit on its own.
• Together, motivation and work-life balance explain 91.7% of the variation in students’ learning enthusiasm.
• The remaining 8.3% is influenced by other factors such as learning environment and social support.

These findings indicate that while external conditions matter, internal psychological drive is the key factor that keeps working students engaged in their studies.

Implications for Universities and Policymakers
The findings have practical implications for higher education institutions, especially those offering flexible or adult learning programs.

For universities:

• Focus on strategies that strengthen student motivation, such as goal-setting programs and mentorship.
• Provide engaging and relevant course content aligned with students’ professional interests.
• Offer academic support systems that reinforce confidence and persistence.

For policymakers:

• Encourage the development of adult-friendly education policies.
• Support programs that integrate career development with academic learning.
• Recognize motivation as a key factor in lifelong learning success.

Author Profiles

Pitriyansyah, S.E., M.M. Lecturer and researcher at Indragiri Islamic University, specializing in human resource management and educational development.

Agus Maulana, S.E., M.M. Academic at Indragiri Islamic University with expertise in organizational management and human capital.

Widyawati, S.E., M.M. Indragiri Islamic University, Researcher focusing on student behavior, adult learning, and educational psychology.

Source

Pitriyansyah, Agus Maulana, Widyawati. (2026). The Influence of Work-Life Balance and Motivation on the Learning Spirit of RPL Students in the Management Study Program at Indragiri Islamic University. Formosa Journal of Sustainable Research (FJSR), Vol. 5 No. 3, halaman 171–186.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjsr.v5i3.17
URL: https://journalfjsr.my.id/index.php/fjsr