The Consequences of a Work-Family (Im)balance: From the Point of View of Employers and Employees

Abstract

Finding the right balance between the different spheres of life of an individual, especially in the case of balancing work and family, requires a variety of measures and good cooperation from all stakeholders-employees, employers, trade unions, local communities and the state. A work-family balance (WFB) has a number of positive consequences, while an imbalance will have negative consequences for both employees and the organisations and society in general. The aim of this paper is to present the results of two studies comparing the positive consequences of WFB and the negative consequences of a work-family imbalance as perceived by employers and employees in Slovenia. The results of the surveys showed, firstly, that employers and employees recognize similar (but not identical) consequences of WFB, secondly, that the WFB of employees is better in companies where both stakeholders share a similar perception of consequences, and thirdly, that the perception of negative consequences of poor WFB differs the most between the organizations offering employees good possibilities for WFB and the organizations in which managers invested little or no effort in helping their employees balance their work and family lives.

Work-Life Balance: Reality Check for the Working Women of Bangladesh

“…If there is balance in work-life, employees get motivation and job satisfaction increases while imbalance create dissatisfaction among employees. The feeling of stress and over-work found if there is imbalance between work-life [2]. As a result of work family conflict employees experience stress related outcomes such as depression, burn out, family related stress, general psychological strains etc.…”

“…According to Amstad et al (2011) work interfering with family is more associated with work related outcomes than family related outcomes [3]. While work-life balance has a positive consequence, imbalance in work-life has numerous negative consequence for both employees and employers [2].…”

“…Another reason of an imbalance work-life is the lack of support of the managers [3]. If manager does not support their sub ordinates most likely employee's work-life harmony will be affected [2]. Long working hour is another reason for creating imbalance between work and life [3].…”

“…According to Tomazevic, Kozjek and Stare (2014) the meaning of work-life balance is to effectively combining professional life with personal obligations and creates a harmony between these two aspects [2]. It can be defined as the absence of conflict between professional and personal life [1].…”

The Moderating Effect of Work-Life Balance on Job Satisfaction

“…Today's EAPs which include behavioural well-being serve a diverse clientele and contributes in dealing with poor performance. Tomazevic, Kozjek and Stare, (2014) have addressed the positive and negative consequences due to work-life balance. The study diagnoses the variables of work-life balance and job satisfaction with a quantitative investigation and; sheds light on several areas.…”