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.

Families, care and work in European Mediterranean Countries: findings and lessons from a comparative analysis of work-life balance policies

Abstract: The article explores work-life balance policies in five European Mediterranean countries: France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkey. The aim is to analyze how the interplay among different role of state, markets, third sector and families shapes work and family-care dimensions, within the economic, social, cultural contemporary context and the challenges prompted by the conditions of global crisis. Trough a cross-national comparison using Eurostat and Oecd data, it draws a synthesis of national labor markets’ features, shows the main trends regarding families’ size, composition and models and presents statutory Maternity, Paternity and Parental leave arrangements, early childcare services’ availability and family allowances system. Findings identify common aspects and differences among countries’ regulations, confirming the relationship between work-life balance policies and the different socio-economic contexts as well as cultural patterns and welfare regimes. The article conclude providing recommendations for politics to close the gap between today’s work and family realities and policies and practices governing their interrelationships, reflecting on the potential impact not only on individuals, but also on organizations and society.

Effects of Work Life Balance on Staff Performance in the Telecommunication Sector in Kenya

Abstract: Work-life balance practices have positive impact on employee performance in an organisation in as much as work life imbalance has also been proved to have side effects of wellbeing of employees. This study looked at the effect of work life balance on staff performance in the telecommunication sector in Kenya. It used role theory and spill over theory to support the research. Descriptive research design was adopted in order to provide a framework to examine current conditions, trends and status of events regarding work life balance. The target population of the study was 390 senior staff working at Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom Kenya’s Orange and Essar Kenya’s Yu Headquarters in Nairobi. The study focused on the three levels of management who are directly dealing with the day to day management of the companies. Stratified random sampling technique was used since population of interest is not homogeneous and could be subdivided into groups or strata to obtain a representative sample. Structured questionnaires were used as method of data collection. Data analysis was done using both qualitative and quantitative methods. From the findings, it was evident that work life balance factors such as long working hours, overtime, lack of vacation, family responsibilities and family work conflict all negatively affects staff performance at work. The study recommended among others that companies in the telecommunication sector in Kenya need to review overtime working policy; introduce rotational work; adopt use of delegation and support employees through counseling and resources to meet family expectations and responsibilities. Finally, this study suggests that future studies explore other work life balance factors that could affect staff performance

Understanding the experience of midlife women taking part in a work-life balance career coaching programme: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract: Midlife women currently have the highest ever presence in the work place with many juggling work with demanding home lives. Women are reporting increased dissatisfaction with their work - life balance yet few studies exist exploring how practical interventions might help . This action - research involved five female participants , based in Lon don, on a career coaching programme designed to improve work - life balance. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis suggested the programme offered a safe place to support women in reconciling work and life roles with their individual values and needs. Thr ough increasing positivity and resilience the coaching enabled participants to define and shape a better work - life balance .

Measuring the effectiveness of work–life balance strategies in the manufacturing sector

Abstract: Orientation: The development of an appropriate framework to measure the effectiveness of work–life balance strategies (WLBS) among manufacturing firms in Nigeria is still a major challenge. Research purpose: The main purpose of this article is to measure the effectiveness of WLBS in the manufacturing sector, drawing insights gathered from two selected manufacturing firms in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria. Motivation for the study: Despite the global explosion of research on work–life balance, there is a dearth of studies measuring the effectiveness of WLBS adopted by manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Research approach/design and method: A structured questionnaire was adopted to gather data among 312 employees of the two selected manufacturing firms in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria. Structural Equation Modelling was valuable in establishing the mediating influences of WLBS and work-family satisfaction on the interplay between work-family stressors and the selected manufacturing firms’ performance. Main findings: The study findings revealed that WLBS and work–family satisfaction mediate the interplay between work–family stressors and the selected manufacturing firms’ performance. Practical/managerial implications: To enhance continuous performance, human resource managers of the manufacturing firms should ensure the improved implementation and adoption of relevant WLBS that could help the employees cushion the effect of work and family stressors thereby achieving satisfaction with work and family life. Contribution/value-add: This study develops and validates a framework to measure the effectiveness of WLBS in selected manufacturing firms, Lagos Metropolis. The developed framework could serve as a template which could be replicated in other sectors of the Nigeria’s economy.