The Relationship among Four Lifestyles of Workers amid the COVID-19 Pandemic (Work–Life Balance, YOLO, Minimal Life, and Staycation) and Organizational Effectiveness: With a Focus on Four Countries

Abstract

This study empirically analyzes the effects of four lifestyles of office workers (work and life balance, you only live once (YOLO), minimal life, and staycation), which have been changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, on organizational effectiveness (measured by job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and organizational citizenship behavior). A questionnaire survey was conducted over four months through a global research firm. In total, 649 valid questionnaires were collected. A structural equation model analysis was performed on valid samples using SmartPLS statistics. The results were as follows: (1) Work and life balance, YOLO, and minimal life had a statistically significant positive effect on job satisfaction. (2) Minimal life had a statistically significant positive effect on organizational commitment. (3) Work and life balance, and staycation had statistically significant positive effects on organizational citizenship behavior. (4) Job satisfaction had a statistically significant positive effect on organizational commitment. (5) Job satisfaction and organizational commitment had a statistically significant positive effect on organizational citizenship behavior. This is the first empirical study to focus on four lifestyles (work–life balance, YOLO, minimal life, and staycation). The results show that job satisfaction was affected the most by YOLO,’ that organizational commitment was affected the most by minimal life, and that organizational citizenship behavior was affected the most by work–life balance.

Cost of organizational citizenship behaviors: serial mediation model of citizenship fatigue

“…On the other hand, excessive engagement in OCB increases workloads, which develops work-life conflict and tends to develop citizenship fatigue. As such, the propensity to work compulsively can reduce citizenship fatigue caused by work-life conflict (Kim et al , 2022). Individuals who are habitually excessively and compulsively productive experience less citizenship fatigue than those who are not highly productive (Bolino et al , 2015).…”

Work-Life Balance Policies: Impact on Employee Well-being and Organizational Effectiveness

“…By enhancing work-life balance practices, productivity and employee well-being are improved, costs are reduced, retention and recruitment are enhanced, and employee motivation and morale are boosted. Kim, et al, (2022) states work-life balance refers to the state of equilibrium between job-related tasks and personal life domains, such as family, hobbies, and self-care. It refers to the tendency to prioritize and distribute time and effort in a manner that fulfills individual demands while fulfilling job responsibilities.…”

Work-Life Balance and Employee Satisfaction during COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Effectively managing work and personal commitments has become essential for employees and organizations, directly impacting employee performance and satisfaction. Numerous studies have explored the relationship between work-life balance and employee outcomes, highlighting its potential to positively or negatively influence factors such as employee satisfaction, motivation, and turnover intention [4][5][6][7][8]. However, it is imperative to conduct empirical investigations examining specific contexts and utilize robust analytical methods to comprehensively understand this complex relationship.…”