Work–life balance

About: Work–life balance is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2252 publications have been published within this topic receiving 36240 citations. The topic is also known as: Work Life balance & work-life balance.

Rethinking the Work–Life Interface: It's Not about Balance, It's about Resource Allocation

Abstract: This article re-conceptualises the framework surrounding work–life balance. Though previous research has focused primarily on the ways in which work life and non-work life influence each other (mostly negatively), we present an alternative perspective that focuses on personal pursuits and the management of personal resources. We introduce a personal resource allocation (PRA) framework that treats all life demands—whether preferred or required—as forcing individuals to make choices about where, when, and how they expend their personal resources across the life domain. Building on self-regulatory theories, such as control theory, self-determination theory, and conservation of resources theory, we suggest ways in which effective personal resource allocation not only decreases negative outcomes (which has been the emphasis in work–life balance research), but also how effective personal resource allocation can actually contribute to positive outcomes. We conclude by providing some practical implications for individuals and organisations based on the PRA framework and suggest future research opportunities.

Work-Life Balance Perspectives of Marketing Professionals in Generation Y

Abstract: The current generation of workers places greater attention on work-life balance than the prior generation. The employee recruiting process in professional services firms will have to take this into consideration if they are to effectively compete in the marketplace for employees. This study examines research questions regarding work-life balance perspectives of Millennial job candidates. Maslow's hierarchy theory and McClelland's motivational needs theory offer some theoretical support regarding why people strive to achieve a healthy work-life balance. Results of the study indicate that Millennials regard work-life balance as important to a person's quality of work, job performance, ethical decision-making, and long-term job satisfaction.

Effective work-life balance support for various household structures

Abstract: Today's workforce encompasses a wide variety of employees with specific needs and resources when it comes to balancing work and life roles. Our study explores whether various types of work-life balance support measures improve employee helping behavior and performance among single employees, employees with a partner, and employees with a partner and children. Using a sample of 482 employees at 24 organizations, the results showed that the organization's work-family culture improved work performance among parents but reduced performance among singles. Singles' work outcomes improved, however, when they had access to flexible work arrangements, whereas couples benefited from their supervisors' social support. The results stress the importance of the employee's household structure when considering appropriate support for balancing work and life roles. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A Really Good Husband: Work/Life Balance, Gender Equity and Social Change

Abstract: 'Work/life balance' as a contemporary issue is fundamentally linked with gender justice. The issue emerged from historical transformations of the gender order, in which masculinities and femininities were attached to distinct spheres of home and workplace; but this institutional division has been weakening. Current dilemmas are documented in a field study of gender equity issues in ten public sector worksites. Because domestic labour is still predominantly women's work, 'family friendly' workplace policies mainly serve to support women's domestic commitments. Women are held accountable for managing the balance, though this has now also become part of the work of managers. Other aspects of public sector restructuring work against men's commitment to domestic equality. In these circumstances the ideal of 'balance' is itself open to debate. The ideological consequences of the re-inscription of maternity and contemporary anxieties about masculinity require a renewal of the concept of the common good as a basis of policy.

Striving to Obtain a School-Work-Life Balance: The Full-Time Doctoral Student

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the doctoral student experience in relation to their school-work-lives. Through a grounded theory research design we sought to explore the following research question: How, and to what extent, do full-time doctoral students strive to obtain school-work-life balance? Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observations with five full-time doctoral education students who held one or more graduate assistantships on campus. From the data, we constructed four themes. Full-time doctoral students strived to achieve a school-work-life balance by (a) purposefully managing their time, priorities, and roles and responsibilities; (b) seeking well-being by managing stress levels, maintaining their mental and physical health, and creating personal time; (c) finding support from various individuals and their institution; and (d) making tradeoffs. Additionally, we found that single students with no children faced more challenges in efforts to obtain a school-work-life balance in comparison to their peers with families. Based on our findings, programs can facilitate degree attainment for students by continuing to provide financial support, flexibility in school and work schedules, and support services tailored to specifically address doctoral student needs. Lastly, our participants’ stories may resonate with other doctoral students, and thus, may help them think about ways to attempt to balance their work and personal lives.