Quality of working life and associated factors among higher education professors (QUALIS-DOC): A scoping review...

Quality of Working Life (QWL) is closely linked to the health and well-being of higher education professors, yet the available evidence remains fragmented across heterogeneous indicators and measurement approaches. This scoping review protocol aims to map and synthesise factors associated with professors' QWL, using Walton's eight-dimensional model as the analytical framework to identify patterns, gaps, and underexplored areas in the literature. The review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and will be reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Empirical studies involving professors working in undergraduate and/or graduate programmes at public or private higher education institutions will be considered, regardless of country, area of knowledge, or professors' age, provided their findings can be mapped onto Walton's model. Only quantitative and mixed-methods studies will be included to map measurable indicators and statistical associations. The review is planned to start in July 2026 and end in July 2027.•Map how QWL has been assessed among higher education professors and how measures align with Walton's eight dimensions.•Identify factors associated with QWL and highlight gaps to guide future research and institutional actions to improve working conditions in higher education.•The review will identify gaps in the application of Walton's eight dimensions, particularly regarding social integration and constitutionalism, which remain underexplored in higher education QWL research.