A Systematic Literature Review of Employees’ Work-Life Balance

Abstract

Employees’ work-life balance is typically characterized as the equilibrium between professional obligations and personal life aspects, including family, leisure, and health. It indicates the degree to which individuals can allocate time, energy, and enjoyment between the two areas without experiencing significant conflict or stress. The objective of this study is to analyze employees' work-life balance by determining how it may be measured, identifying key organizational, individual, and work-family-related aspects that influence it, and examining the reported impacts of work-life balance on both employees and organizations. This paper systematically reviewed thirty-two (32) empirical studies published in a reputable journal from 2015 to 2025. The author discusses employees’ work-life balance by considering data sources, geographical setting, sample sizes, the researcher's data-gathering method, its determinant dimensions, and outcome domains. This paper develops a thematic synthesis framework that consistently demonstrates that work-life balance is associated with multiple outcome domains. This paper recommends that organizations should adopt flexible work arrangements, strengthen mental health support, foster a culture of balance, and implement family-friendly policies to reduce stress, burnout, and work–family conflict while enhancing satisfaction, engagement, and innovation. By making these practices into a strategy, companies can transform work-life balance from a mere perk into a vital driver of resilience, performance, retention, and long-term organizational success.