Does work from home influence work life balance?
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Influence of Work From Home on Work-Life Balance
Introduction to Work From Home and Work-Life Balance
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the traditional work environment, compelling many employees to work from home (WFH). This shift has sparked extensive research into how WFH impacts work-life balance (WLB). This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to understand the influence of WFH on WLB.
Negative Impacts of Work From Home on Work-Life Balance
Increased Work-Life Conflicts and Fatigue
Several studies have highlighted the negative effects of WFH on WLB. Employees working from home often experience increased work-to-life and life-to-work conflicts, leading to greater work-related fatigue and a perceived imbalance between professional and personal life . The overlapping of work and personal spaces can exacerbate these conflicts, making it challenging for employees to separate their work duties from personal concerns.
Stressors and Resource Loss
Research indicates that various stressors contribute to the deterioration of WLB when working from home. These stressors include perceived work intensity, workspace limitations, technostress, professional isolation, and increased housework and care work intensity. The loss of these resources can lead to emotional exhaustion and a decline in overall well-being.
Positive Impacts of Work From Home on Work-Life Balance
Job Satisfaction and Autonomy
Despite the challenges, some studies have found positive effects of WFH on WLB. Employees who have job autonomy and support from supervisors and family members tend to report better WLB . Additionally, high levels of job satisfaction and a preference for continuing to work from home have been observed among employees in certain industries, such as business process and technology outsourcing.
Gender and Work-Life Balance
The impact of WFH on WLB can vary by gender. While both men and women report high levels of job satisfaction, women often face more significant challenges in balancing personal and professional lives due to additional household responsibilities. However, the overall job satisfaction remains high irrespective of gender, suggesting that WFH can be beneficial if managed well.
Mediating Factors and Multitasking
Work Engagement and Multitasking
Work engagement plays a crucial role in mediating the negative effects of WFH on WLB. Higher work engagement can lessen the perception of work-life imbalance, even when employees face increased work-related fatigue. Additionally, different types of multitasking, such as technology-mediated and in-person high-interactive multitasking, can influence WLB. While high-interactive multitasking can lead to greater interference with work, it is also associated with higher life satisfaction.
Psychological Well-Being and Social Support
Maintaining a healthy WLB is essential for psychological well-being. Stress and lack of psychological detachment during WFH can lead to non-work-related activities during work hours, negatively impacting productivity. Conversely, social support from colleagues and supervisors can help maintain WLB and improve overall well-being .
Conclusion
The influence of WFH on WLB is multifaceted, with both positive and negative aspects. While WFH can lead to increased work-life conflicts and stress, it also offers opportunities for greater job satisfaction and autonomy. The key to a successful WFH arrangement lies in managing stressors, fostering work engagement, and providing adequate social support. As organizations navigate post-pandemic work dynamics, understanding these factors will be crucial in promoting a healthy work-life balance for remote employees.
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