Implications of Work-Life Balance Measures for Companies

Abstract

Objective: The relationship between work-family balance and employee performance is a topic of great interest for organisations and, therefore, for academic research. In this context, this paper reviews the literature to identify the determining factors in company-based adoption of work-life balance measures (causes related to work-family conflict: WFC, and family-work conflict: FWC) on the one hand and, on the other, the research that has focussed on studying the effect on business results of practices to achieve a work-life balance. Methodology: We have undertaken analysis of the academic research published over the period 1998-2018 and available on the Web of Science (WOS), SCOPUS and EBSCO databases. Results: The review undertaken indicates that conflict can be originated in the family, in the workplace and in other environments throughout the day when we face up to the obligations arising from the roles we play in the family and at work and that affect us in both directions. In turn, work-life balance measures appear to have a positive effect, not only at the individual level for also for staff and companies as a whole. Limitations: Descriptive research. Practical implications: This study aims to contribute to the literature by providing updated information on the state of the art on this subject, and to highlight possible future lines of empirical research, as well as the relevance of the subject at a company level.