Does work from home influence work life balance?
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Summary
10 papers analyzed
Some studies suggest that working from home can improve work-life balance through flexibility and reduced commute time, while other studies indicate it may impair work-life balance due to increased conflicts and stressors, particularly for women.
Consensus Meter
15 papers analyzed
Yes - 93%
Possibly - 0%
No - 7%
Research summarized with Copilot
Beta20 papers analyzed
Introduction
The shift to working from home (WFH) has become increasingly prevalent, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This transition has sparked significant interest in understanding its impact on work-life balance (WLB). Various studies have explored whether WFH improves or impairs the ability to balance professional and personal commitments.
Key Insights
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Positive Impact on Work-Life Balance:
- WFH can enhance WLB by providing more flexible working hours and reducing commute time, which allows for better management of personal and professional responsibilities .
- Employees working from home report higher job satisfaction and a positive relationship with both work and family life, irrespective of gender .
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Negative Impact on Work-Life Balance:
- WFH can lead to increased work-to-life and life-to-work conflicts, resulting in greater work-related fatigue and perceived imbalance .
- The overlap between work and personal life can cause stress and emotional exhaustion, particularly for women who struggle to balance domestic responsibilities with professional duties .
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Mediating Factors:
- The presence of supportive resources such as understanding supervisors, job autonomy, and family support can mitigate the negative effects of WFH on WLB .
- Work engagement can positively mediate the negative effects of WFH on WLB, reducing the perception of imbalance.
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Gender-Specific Challenges:
- Women working from home face unique challenges in balancing work and personal life, often experiencing higher levels of stress and difficulty in managing domestic responsibilities .
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Psychological Well-being:
- Maintaining a healthy WLB is crucial for the psychological well-being of employees, which in turn supports productivity and reduces stress.
Conclusion
The impact of working from home on work-life balance is multifaceted. While WFH offers flexibility and can enhance job satisfaction and personal time management, it also presents challenges such as increased work-life conflicts and stress, particularly for women. Supportive resources and work engagement play critical roles in mitigating these negative effects. Overall, the influence of WFH on WLB is context-dependent, varying based on individual circumstances and the presence of supportive factors.
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