The Impact of Work from Home to Work Life-Balance and Its Implication to Employee Happiness

Abstract

Working from home was an increasing phenomenon to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Although WFH has been expendable well documented, there are still limited studies related to the subject of life balance, happiness and organizational support. This study aimed to figure out; 1) The influence of work from home on work-life balance, 2) The influence of work-life balance on happiness, 3) The moderating role of organizational supports towards work from home and work-life balances. The respondents used in this research were the 94 lecturers who worked in Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana. The study was done in a quantitative method through cross-sectional data and non-probability sampling method. The analysis model used was Path Analysis, Moderated Regression Analysis and Simple Regression test. The result of this research indicates that WFH has positive effects on WLB and WLB has positive effects on employee happiness. The testing done on moderating effect appeared that organizational support does not moderate the effects of WFH on WLB. Apart from that, theoretical and practical implications were also given in this research.

Work from Home Arrangements May Boost Employee Happiness

“…It demonstrates that employees will love their work more if they have greater authority to complete tasks at home. The findings of this study are consistent with the research conducted by [21] , which shows a notable and favorable impact of remote work on employee well-being. In addition, remote work can enhance employees' capacity for time management and allow them to allocate more time to their families [10] .…”

“…Work from home supports work-life integration, makes it easier for employees to switch roles quickly, both as a person and as a worker, and helps set boundaries between work and personal life. The findings of the studies [21] , [25] , [26] , [27] indicate that remote work has a notable and favorable impact on the equilibrium between work and personal life. Increased remote work leads to improved work-life balance for employees.…”

“…Several previous studies have proven that working from home affects employee happiness. Research by Kazekami [12] , Mehta [20] , Elnanto & Suharti [21] , and Uresha [22] shows a significant positive influence between telecommuting and employee happiness. The more work from home is done, the higher the employee happiness.…”

“…Previous studies have indicated a relationship between worker happiness and balance between work and personal life. The findings of the studies [21] , [28] , [29] , [30] indicate that work-life balance exerts a substantial and favorable impact on employee happiness. Improving the employee's work-life balance directly correlates with enhancing the employee's level of happiness.…”

“…Remote work can enhance work-life balance by providing employees additional time with their families and the freedom to seamlessly combine their professional and personal lives [10] , [11] , [21] . This condition, influenced by personal life, profession, and balanced social life [17] , might impact employees' happiness.…”