Balance work life
Author – Swapnil Mishra
- Challenges in Mental Health Professionals’ Work-Life Balance: Insights from a Tertiary Neuropsychiatry Center in India
Mental Health Professionals’ Work-Life Balance in India
Savarimalai et al. (2023) conducted a study focusing on Mental Health Professionals (MHP) working at a prominent neuropsychiatry center in India, aiming to understand their work-life balance (WLB) and its association with perceived stress (PS), psychological distress (PD), burnout, and compassion satisfaction (CS). Their findings shed light on the challenges faced by MHPs, particularly psychiatrists, revealing vulnerabilities to work-related stress, burnout, and an imbalanced WLB. The study underscores the influence of job nature, income levels, and living arrangements on these factors, highlighting the complexities of their work environment. Importantly, it advocates for tailored interventions to support the mental health and well-being of MHPs in India, recognizing the unique stressors they encounter. By delving into this underexplored area, the research provides valuable insights that can inform strategies to promote a healthier and more sustainable work environment for mental health professionals in India
.2. Work-Life Balance Strategies and Organizational Performance
Gender, Leadership, and Work-Life Balance in Lebanon
Shouman et al. (2022) conducted a study examining how Lebanese male and female employees navigate work-life balance (WLB) strategies and their effects on organizational performance, particularly regarding innovativeness and research and development (R&D) outcomes. Their findings challenge the common belief that employee satisfaction directly translates to organizational success, revealing that there isn’t a significant correlation between WLB and performance metrics. However, the study highlights the pivotal role of supervisor support in promoting WLB, underscoring the importance of strong leadership in fostering a harmonious work-life environment. Moreover, it sheds light on the gendered aspects of WLB, illustrating how women may face career setbacks despite flexible work arrangements. Nevertheless, organizations with diverse leadership and effective WLB policies experience benefits such as improved performance and attractiveness. The research advocates for a holistic approach to WLB, recognizing individual coping mechanisms and organizational practices, while also suggesting that organizations prioritize offering fulfilling career opportunities to boost innovation performance alongside WLB initiatives
.3. Navigating Work-Life Balance in the New Normal
Exploring Work-Life Balance During COVID-19: A Shift Towards Flexibility and Well-being
Battur A. and Kandagal P. B. (2022) delve into the shifting balance between serious responsibilities and leisure activities in people’s lives, particularly examining the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With many individuals transitioning to remote work setups, the research explores how this change in work dynamics has affected employees’ overall well-being and mindset. By analyzing the adjustment to remote work and its influence on motivation levels, the study sheds light on whether employees are satisfied with the current work-from-home arrangements. Given the unique circumstances of the pandemic, the paper acknowledges the blurring lines between personal and professional life, challenging conventional notions of work-life boundaries. Through a survey-based approach, the researchers seek to grasp individuals’ adaptability to these shifts, their utilization of technology for work purposes, and their perceptions regarding the balance between work responsibilities and leisure activities. Ultimately, the study aims to offer valuable insights into the future of work post-pandemic, advocating for a more inclusive and adaptable approach that accommodates the diverse needs of employees in balancing work and personal life commitments.
4. Unlocking Productivity and Wellbeing: The Impact of Flexible Work Arrangements on Work-Life Balance
Boosting Well-being with Flexible Work: A Win-Win for Employees and Organizations
In Shanker’s (2022) paper, the focus is on the increasingly prevalent adoption of flexible work arrangements within modern organizations and their pivotal role in fostering a supportive work environment. The study underscores how these flexible arrangements, encompassing various options, play a crucial role in promoting the overall well-being of employees. By offering flexibility in work schedules and conditions, these arrangements contribute to reducing stress and improving the balance between work and personal life, ultimately resulting in enhanced productivity and profitability for organizations. Shanker emphasizes that granting employees control over their work hours and conditions not only fosters mental well-being but also encourages greater dedication and contribution to the organization. The research concludes that flexible work arrangements have tangible benefits for employees, including improved physical and mental health, which, in turn, translate into a more harmonious work-life balance. Ultimately, the study highlights the mutual advantages of flexible work arrangements, as they lead to increased productivity, commitment, and loyalty from employees, while also contributing to organizational success and sustainability.
5. Optimizing Business Interests: The Imperative of Work-Life Balance Policies in Organizations
Harmony in Work and Life: The Imperative of Work-Life Balance Initiatives for Organizational Success
In Shanker and Kaushal’s (2022) study, the focus is on the growing importance of work-life balance for today’s workforce, particularly with the rising number of dual-income households. The delicate balance between professional responsibilities and personal life has emerged as a critical factor affecting individual well-being and job performance. Acknowledging the intrinsic link between employees’ personal lives and their effectiveness at work, organizations are increasingly recognizing the need to prioritize work-life balance initiatives. This paper underscores the necessity for organizations to integrate work-life balance policies into their human resource strategies as a means to optimize business outcomes. By acknowledging and supporting this equilibrium, organizations not only foster higher levels of employee satisfaction but also cultivate sustained productivity and overall success. Ultimately, the research underscores the vital role of work-life balance in creating a supportive and fulfilling work environment conducive to both individual flourishing and organizational prosperity.
6. Reassessing Remote Work Realities
Remote Work Realities During COVID-19: Challenges and HR Solutions
In Shirmohammadi et al.’s (2022) research, they delve into the realities of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, examining 40 recent empirical studies to assess the alignment between popular perceptions of remote work and its actual implications. Contrary to the idealized portrayal of remote work as a desirable and flexible arrangement, the findings uncover discrepancies between expectations and realities across four main themes. These include challenges such as increased work intensity despite flexible scheduling, limitations in workspace despite the flexibility of remote locations, technostress and isolation despite technological feasibility, and heightened housework and caregiving responsibilities despite the family-friendly nature of remote work. The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a reality check, highlighting the less glamorous aspects of remote work. The study underscores the vital role of Human Resource Development (HRD) practitioners in supporting employees to navigate and optimize their remote work experiences, ensuring a better alignment between expectations and the actualities of remote work dynamics. Through targeted support and interventions, HRD practitioners can help employees overcome challenges and leverage the benefits of remote work more effectively, ultimately fostering a more balanced and fulfilling work experience for remote workers.
7. Enhancing Work-Life Balance
Building Resilience for Work-Life Balance
In Marques and Berry’s (2021) study, they underscore the significance of work-life balance for both employees and employers, emphasizing its role in alleviating stress and fostering a sense of personal control among individuals while enhancing stability and productivity in the workforce. Despite the acknowledgment of work-life balance challenges in research, the paper identifies a gap in providing clear resolutions or conflict resolution strategies. To address this gap, the study draws upon insights from resilience research to propose a practical framework for tackling work-life balance issues. This framework categorizes behaviors and responsibilities as either energy-enhancing or depleting, aiming to amplify the positive aspects while mitigating the negative ones. Through the presentation of three mini-cases, the paper illustrates the application of the resilience framework in real-life scenarios, showcasing its effectiveness in promoting healthier and more sustainable work-life integration. By humanizing the research process, Marques and Berry offer practical solutions that can empower individuals and organizations to navigate work-life balance challenges more effectively, ultimately fostering a more fulfilling and harmonious work experience for employees.
8. The impacts of a high commitment work system on well-being: the mediating role of organization support and employee work-life balance.
High Commitment Work Systems and Employee Well-being in the UAE
Alzadjali and Ahmad (2024) conducted a study aiming to understand how a high commitment work system (HCWS) influences employee well-being, with a focus on the mediating roles of organizational support and work-life balance. Their research, based on data collected from 235 employees in the public sector of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), employed structural equation modeling (SEM) for analysis. The findings revealed that HCWS significantly impacts organizational support and employee work-life balance, subsequently leading to improved employee well-being. Interestingly, the study found that organizational support did not mediate the relationship between HCWS and well-being, challenging previous assumptions. However, it emphasized the crucial role of work-life balance in influencing employee behaviors and overall well-being. The study’s originality lies in its contribution to managerial strategies, suggesting the involvement of employees in decision-making processes to enhance their well-being. By highlighting the importance of organizational support in public organizations and identifying HCWS as a key factor affecting it, the research provides valuable insights for organizational development in the UAE context. Furthermore, the study advances understanding of how cultural and organizational elements impact employee behavior and performance, particularly in the unique setting of the UAE. Overall, the research underscores the significance of promoting work-life balance and organizational support to enhance employee well-being and foster a positive work environment.
9. The resources to balance – Exploring remote employees’ work-life balance through the lens of conservation of resources.
Supporting Work-Life Balance in Remote Work: Insights and Recommendations
In their study, Pensar and Rousi (2023) delve into how employees’ work-life balance (WLB) can be nurtured through various resources and the mechanisms that guide the utilization of these resources to achieve WLB. Drawing upon the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory and a multidimensional balance construct by Casper et al. (2018), they conducted thematic analysis on 89 semi-structured interviews with remote workers. Their findings spotlight three crucial resources aiding employees in maintaining WLB: flexible work arrangements, autonomous work, and time-saving measures. Importantly, the research uncovers that employees’ utilization of these resources hinges on their self-efficacy and the trust they experience from their supervisors. This study adds depth to work-family research by offering a nuanced understanding of the balance construct within the realm of remote work. It underscores the significance of empowering employees to take charge of their WLB by enhancing their self-efficacy. The researchers advocate for a supportive environment where supervisors facilitate rather than impede this process. They recommend establishing universal principles for work-life support to ensure consistency and fairness, mitigating discrepancies stemming from individual supervisors’ judgments and preferences. Overall, the study advocates for a collaborative effort between employers and supervisors to foster a conducive work environment that prioritizes employees’ well-being and WLB.
10. A Systematic Literature Review of Work-Life Balance Using ADO Model.
Understanding Work-Life Balance: A Review of Key Constructs and Research Gaps
Singh, Aggarwal, et al. (2021) delve into the extensive literature on work-life balance (WLB) spanning the past 16 years, aiming to elucidate the various constructs associated with it. Adopting the Antecedents, Decisions, and Outcomes (ADO) model for WLB, they meticulously conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) following the rigorous process proposed by Tranfield et al. (2003). Utilizing the PRISMA framework, they meticulously select 43 relevant full-text articles on WLB in business management, covering the period from 2004 to 2020 and focusing solely on published articles while excluding books and conference proceedings. Their review offers a structured overview of the antecedents, decision processes, and outcomes of WLB in the business management domain, shedding light on the most prolific authors and journals in the field. Notably, the study reveals that the majority of institutions producing WLB-related literature are based in India. By synthesizing existing research, the study proposes a conceptual model that enriches theoretical understanding of WLB while offering vital insights into how personal, household, and organizational factors shape WLB dynamics. This review significantly contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive framework and valuable insights for future research and organizational practices aimed at promoting WLB.
Research Summary : Understanding Work-Life Balance, Insights from Different Studies:
The summarized research studies provide valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of work-life balance (WLB) and its implications for both employees and organizations. From investigations into the challenges faced by mental health professionals in India to the exploration of flexible work arrangements and the impact of high commitment work systems, each study highlights the importance of tailored interventions and supportive organizational practices. Themes such as supervisor support, gender dynamics, and the blurring of work and personal life boundaries during the COVID-19 pandemic emerge as critical factors influencing WLB. Overall, these studies underscore the significance of promoting a harmonious balance between work and personal life, fostering employee well-being and organizational success.
Reference:
Alzadjali, B., & Ahmad, S. Z. (2024). The impacts of a high commitment work system on well-being: the mediating role of organization support and employee work-life balance. Industrial & Commercial Training, 56(1), 53–77. https://doi.org/10.1108/ICT-11-2022-0084
BATTUR, A.; KANDAGAL, P. B. (2022) Work-Life Balance While Working from Home during COVID-19 Lockdown: Changing Preferences and the Future of Work. ANWESH: International Journal of Management & Information Technology, [s. l.], v. 7, n. 2, p. 21–28. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=238308e7-6faf-3089-b140-c1d2f9b79ac4. Acesso em: 24 fev. 2024.
MARQUES, V. C.; BERRY, G. R. (2021) Enhancing work‐life balance using a resilience framework. Business & Society Review (00453609), [s. l.], v. 126, n. 3, p. 263–281. DOI 10.1111/basr.12237. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=26bc5b57-c167-35b6-929c-ce4a607f75f9. Acesso em: 24 fev. 2024.
Pensar, H., & Rousi, R. (2023). The resources to balance – Exploring remote employees’ work-life balance through the lens of conservation of resources. Cogent Business & Management, 10(2), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2232592
SAVARIMALAI, R. et al. (2023) Work-life balance among mental health professionals in a tertiary care neuropsychiatry centre in India. Industrial Psychiatry Journal, [s. l.], v. 32, n. 2, p. 354–360. DOI 10.4103/ipj.ipj_31_22. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=6b427129-da5f-3aa0-a9b4-d61318c88b13. Acesso em: 24 fev. 2024.
SHANKER, A. Flexible Work Arrangements and its Impact on Work-Life Balance (2022). Optimization: Journal of Research in Management, [s. l.], v. 14, n. 2, p. 23–26. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=11f160b4-838c-3745-a3e0-ecb484baf6b6. Acesso em: 24 fev. 2024.
SHANKER, A.; KAUSHAL, S. K. (2022) Workers Work-Life Balance Should be a Human Resource Priority. ANWESH: International Journal of Management & Information Technology, [s. l.], v. 7, n. 1, p. 1–4. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=995a6baa-fd89-368f-9674-836b63bcf148. Acesso em: 24 fev. 2024.
SHIRMOHAMMADI, M.; AU, W. C.; BEIGI, M. (2022) Remote work and work-life balance: Lessons learned from the covid-19 pandemic and suggestions for HRD practitioners. Human Resource Development International, [s. l.], v. 25, n. 2, p. 163–181. DOI 10.1080/13678868.2022.2047380. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=f7d8f5a4-c4c6-3a3e-a7a6-a7c34c30dccb. Acesso em: 24 fev. 2024.
SHOUMAN, L.; VIDAL-SUÑÉ, A.; ALARCÓN ALARCÓN, A. (2022) Impact of Work-Life Balance on Firm Innovativeness: The Different Strategies Used by Male and Female Bosses. Administrative Sciences (2076-3387), [s. l.], v. 12, n. 3, p. 115. DOI 10.3390/admsci12030115. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=be229764-3655-3b13-881f-422415d491de. Acesso em: 24 fev. 2024.
SINGH, R.; AGGARWAL, S.; SAHNI, S. A Systematic Literature Review of Work-Life Balance Using ADO Model. FIIB Business Review, [s. l.], v. 12, n. 3, p. 243–258, 2023. DOI 10.1177/23197145221115530. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=47d171d4-2c8b-39d5-933f-834a299bd113. Acesso em: 25 fev. 2024.