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.

Pathways to Satisfaction with Work-Life Balance: The Case of Russian-Language Internet Freelancers

Abstract: In this paper we examine satisfaction with work-life balance among non-standard workers. Using unique data from 6,009 Russian-language internet freelancers, who are typically both autonomous contractors and teleworkers, we make two key contributions. We found evidence to support the demand-resource model among self-employed professionals who typically have autonomy and control over their time, although these processes differ somewhat by gender. We also argue that overall life satisfaction is a significant influence on satisfaction with work-life balance and also acts as a mediator for the influence of some demands and resources on both male and female freelancers’ satisfaction with work-life balance. Implications for future research and social policy are discussed.

A Study on the Determinants of Work–Life Balance of Women Employees in Information Technology Companies in India

Abstract: This research article identifies certain factors that strongly impact the work–life balance (WLB) of women employees in information technology (IT) companies in India. These factors are related to the challenges and enhancers to the professional and personal lives of 186 women working in various IT companies in India. The study also identifies the impact of social media (SM) in their work lives. Based on an extensive review of the literature, a set of 42 factors relating to WLB is grouped into five constructs, namely, professional challenges, personal challenges, SM involvement, professional enhancers and personal enhancers. Exploratory factor analysis is used to extract the highly impacting factors. The results show that the personal enhancers of WLB, such as regular exercises and fitness schedule, yoga and meditation, balanced diet as well as good sleep and involvement in the hobbies, loaded the heaviest as the most impacting factors; working from home heavily impacts as a professional enhancer in the W...

Perceptions of Work-Life Balance Among IT Professionals

Abstract: This study deals with the issue of balancing work and personal life among IT professionals. Studies suggest that stress levels amongst IT professionals are high because of long working hours and forgone holidays, leading to imbalances in work and personal life. Work-life balance is a matter of concern for both the employees and the employers. It concerns the employees in terms of their stress level and its resultant outcomes in terms of ill-health (both physical and mental), and it concerns the employers, as the ill-health of their employees translates into reduced productivity and increased absenteeism. Technological advancement and competition has only compounded this issue of work-life imbalance. The first part of the study focuses on establishing the psychometric properties of the scale that has been used for measuring work-life balance in this particular study. The factor structure and the reliability of the scale are discussed. The second part of the study examines the issue of work-life balance from various demographic perspectives. The findings indicate that the perception of work-life balance does not vary significantly across different demographic profiles.

Women, work–life balance and quality of life: case studies from the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland

Abstract: In this editorial we introduce the key themes explored by the articles that make up this themed section on ‘Women, work–life balance and quality of life’. As a collection, the articles emphasise the complexity of trying to define what work–life balance means to different groups of men and women in three locales (Bristol, West London and Dublin), highlighting that trying to attribute meaning to this concept is at the very least problematic. They do, however, paint a picture of persistent gendered inequality. Within the context of neo-liberal economic policy ‘encouraging’ women to take up paid work and training, it is still women rather than men who continue to be responsible for the tasks of social reproduction. The concept of work–life balance ignores the often blurred and ultimately socially constructed nature of what counts as work and what does not and tends to mask the large amount of reproductive work performed by women in the private sphere. Moreover, the research presented here makes clear that con...

Hospitality entrepreneurship: a link in the career chain

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the motivational factors behind the transition of successful hospitality entrepreneurs in New Zealand, back into paid employment. Design/methodology/approach In all, 16 interviewees were recruited using the snowball technique and their stories examined using a narrative analysis technique. Findings Motivational factors were categorised into seven themes of family, work–life balance, health and stress, age, planned exit, stagnation and intuition. Poor work–life balance was identified as a consistent factor in decisions to sell hospitality businesses. Although lifestyles were self-imposed, they were exacerbated by the conflicting needs of family, customers and the owners themselves, several of whom worked to exhaustion. Research limitations/implications Implications for prospective entrepreneurs include considerations of work–life balance and the true costs of hospitality business ownership. Originality/value This is the first study of motivations for leaving a successful hospitality business and moving into paid employment. As research is sparse on reasons for this transition, this study provides an understanding of this phenomenon and insights into the extraordinary challenges of hospitality entrepreneurship in New Zealand.