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Work–Life Balance: Definitions, Causes, and Consequences

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Handbook of Socioeconomic Determinants of Occupational Health

Part of the book series: Handbook Series in Occupational Health Sciences ((HDBSOHS))

Abstract

This chapter reviews the multiple definitions of work–life balance, including definitions focused on the equity of time spent in the work and non-work domains, satisfaction with performance/time spent in each domain, and the salience of each role for an individual. There is a general consensus that a preferred definition should focus on work–life rather than work-family, in order to include non-family responsibilities and demands, such as study or travel commitments. The chapter also discusses the common antecedents and consequences of work–life balance arising from both work and non-work domains. These include work demands and resources, family demands and resources, and personality antecedents including evidence associating psychological capital constructs with work–life balance. Finally, this chapter considers the future directions for work–life balance research, focusing on technological advancements (e.g., Fitbits) and individual levels of mindfulness and resilience. The chapter concludes by noting the increasing evidence linking employee appointments and retention with an organization’s positive work–life balance culture.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, QLD, Australia

    Paula Brough

  2. James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia

    Carolyn Timms

  3. RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Xi Wen Chan

  4. Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, QLD, Australia

    Amy Hawkes & Laura Rasmussen

Authors
  1. Paula Brough
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  2. Carolyn Timms
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  3. Xi Wen Chan
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  4. Amy Hawkes
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  5. Laura Rasmussen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Paula Brough .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Stress Research Institute, University of Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden

    Töres Theorell

Section Editor information

  1. Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre of Health and Society (CHS), University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany

    Morten Wahrendorf

  2. Fielding School of Public Health, School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA

    Jian Li

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Brough, P., Timms, C., Chan, X.W., Hawkes, A., Rasmussen, L. (2020). Work–Life Balance: Definitions, Causes, and Consequences. In: Theorell, T. (eds) Handbook of Socioeconomic Determinants of Occupational Health. Handbook Series in Occupational Health Sciences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-31438-5_20

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