Work-Life Balance, Job Satisfaction and Performance Among Millennial and Gen Z Employees: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Although the impact of work-life balance and job satisfaction on employee performance has been extensively studied, there still lacks a comprehensive understanding of the interplay among these variables among millennials and generation Z (gen Z) employees. This present inquiry, therefore, aims to systematically analyze how work-life balance and job satisfaction affect millennials’ and gen Z’s performance. Following a systematic literature review approach, relevant studies published in 2018-2022 were derived from two main academic databases (Google scholar and Research gate). Thirty-five peer-reviewed articles were then carefully selected and analyzed. The result shows that (1) work-life balance and job satisfaction positively affect millennial’s and gen Z’s performance; (2) gen Z are more idealists in thriving for work and growth (3) millennials and gen Z put a value on the supportive work environment, supportive supervisor, and career opportunity for job satisfaction (4) millennial and gen Z put a value on flexibility of work hours, annual leave and work from home for work-life balance.

Work-Life Balance and Mental Health Outcomes for Generation Z in Germany

“…In line with the current results, previous studies found that students who effectively managed their time and maintained a harmonious lifestyle tended to achieve higher academic performance 29 . Furthermore, it was reported that individuals from Generation Z were more inclined to prioritize work-life balance, recognizing its pivotal role in mitigating stress and enhancing their educational experiences 30 . In contrast, it was shown that prevalence rates of work-life conflicts are above average in men and women with higher levels of education 1 .…”

“…29 Furthermore, it was reported that individuals from Generation Z were more inclined to prioritize work-life balance, recognizing its pivotal role in mitigating stress and enhancing their educational experiences. 30 In contrast, it was shown that prevalence rates of work-life conflicts are above average in men and women with higher levels of education. 1 Lunau et al 2 also demonstrated that women with tertiary education, working in low-skilled clerical or high-skilled manual jobs in large or very large firms and temporary contracts, were at higher risk of work-life imbalance.…”

الاختلافات بين الجيل Y والجيل Z في النتائج التنظيمية بين موظفي الخطوط الأمامية في فنادق القاهرة. Gen Y and Gen Z Differences in Organizational Outcomes among Frontline Employees in Cairo Hotels.

“…The accepted H2 mentioned that there was a significant difference between Gen Y and Gen Z in Job Satisfaction. the results found that Gen Y have a higher Job Satisfaction (M= 264.3), these findings successfully aligned with earlier studies (Putri et al, 2019;Lever, 2022;Waworuntu et al, 2022) that reported significant generational differences in Job Satisfaction. Earlier studies showed that Gen Y was more likely to experience job satisfaction.…”

“…Flexibility is crucial not just for achieving work-life balance but also for the job satisfaction of millennials and Generation Z. (Waworuntu et al, 2022).…”

“…Earlier studies showed that Gen Y was more likely to experience job satisfaction. (Waworuntu et al, 2022). Compared to younger generations, Gen Y has a higher level of job satisfaction (Lever, 2022).…”