Merging work and life has been a consistent challenge throughout the years. The amount of time and effort invested in work can sometimes blur the line between personal and professional life, affecting the overall balance. A literature review on work-life balance has been conducted to critically analyze the factors associated with the balance between work and life.
The literature review revealed that work-life balance refers to the intricate balance between work and non-work-related aspects such as family, health, and leisure activities. The study shows that work-life balance is a crucial factor impacting the overall productivity of an employee and it can affect the satisfaction levels, their tenure in an organization, and their overall well-being. Work-life imbalance can lead to several issues such as burnout, absenteeism, and increased levels of stress that can impact not only the individual but also the organization as a whole.
Several studies have also indicated that work-life imbalance can impose serious economic burdens on employees. For instance, frequent absenteeism can not only lower the productivity of the employee, but it can also lead to increased costs for employers. Additionally, the increased level of stress caused due to work-life imbalance can even lead to serious mental health problems, implying that this issue needs significant attention from employers and policymakers.
Several factors impact the work-life balance equation; however, the review of literature has primarily categorized these factors into two main categories: organizational factors and personal factors.
Organizational Factors:
The organizational factors that impact work-life balance primarily include the job design, compensation policies, workloads, and job autonomy. For instance, a study conducted by Clark (2000) found that employees in jobs that are well-designed and offer higher job autonomy tend to experience higher levels of work-life balance. The study also showed that employees that had more control over their work lives are less likely to experience family-work conflicts.
On the other hand, several studies have also indicated that compensation policies play a crucial role in determining how employees perceive their work-life balance. In particular, the equity in earnings between women and men has been identified as a critical factor that impacts work-life balance. A study conducted by Berkman and Glass (2000) indicated that earnings that are fair and equitable can help reduce the family-work conflict experienced by employees.
Personal Factors:
The personal factors that impact work-life balance include individual characteristics such as demographic variables and personality variables. For instance, a study conducted by Sulemana and colleagues (2017) showed that demographic variables such as gender, age, marital status, and education level can impact employees’ perceptions of their work-life balance. The study showed that women, older employees, married employees, and those with higher levels of education tend to perceive their work-life balance negatively.
Personality variables such as emotional intelligence and self-efficacy have also been found to impact work-life balance. The study conducted by Gaudiano and colleagues (2012) showed that individuals with higher levels of emotional intelligence experience higher levels of work-life balance. Moreover, the study showed that individuals who perceive themselves to be more efficacious are less likely to experience workplace stressors.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the literature review illuminates the significance of work-life balance and its impact on employee productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. The review shows that work-life balance is a complex issue that depends on various organizational and personal factors. Organizations must develop policies and strategies that promote work-life balance and help employees balance their personal and professional lives effectively. Additionally, employees should develop healthy lifestyle habits, exercise regularly, and engage in meaningful work that aligns with their interests, goals, and values.
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