Unemployment is a serious problem that is facing South Africa (SA) and many countries across the globe. As a result, Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) have been identified as some of the suitable entities for job creation in SA. However, not many of the SMMEs experience success to the point that they can significantly contribute to the alleviation of unemployment. The objective of this paper is therefore to investigate possible challenges that SMMEs experience. The findings generally point to a need for awareness campaigns as some of the concerns raised by the participants are not legitimate. Even though the investigation was conducted in SA in the province of KwaZulu-Natal the findings are considered relevant for the rest of the country and many other parts of the world experiencing similar challenges

The aim of the study was to determine the extent to which work-life balance affects the job satisfaction of employees in a paper manufacturing company. Job satisfaction and work-life balance are key ingredients that impact on employees’ work and personal lives, including organizational productivity. The study is quantitative and a survey design was adopted, with a sample size of 70 employees. Both, descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized. The simple random sampling technique was adopted and the adequacy of the sample was assessed using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity. A self-developed questionnaire was utilized and, the validity and reliability were determined. The first two hypotheses were partially accepted, one was confirmed and, one was rejected. The results indicate that with work-life balance in this organisation, there is contentment with flexible work arrangement and employee wellness and; with job satisfaction, staff are far more content with working conditions than any of the other constructs of the study. A positive relationship exists between work-life balance and job satisfaction. The findings point to a presence of factors that executives, and policy-makers need to take cognizance of, for organisational benefit, corporate social responsibility, corporate governance and for the future direction.