Work life balance: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Purpose: The study aims to review the literature to delineate the conceptualization of work-life balance, investigate the key variables associated with it, and examine the bibliometric characteristics of WLB research.

Methodology: This study conducted a systematic review of the literature, including studies indexed in Web of Science. Peer-reviewed studies published between 1995 and 2024 were included. The review followed the PRISMA framework.

Findings: The studies were extracted, reviewed, and synthesized, revealing that WLB is a multidimensional concept shaped by workplace dynamics, demographic shifts, technological advancements, and family structures. Developed economies have made a substantial contribution to WLB research, with a focus on the service sector.

Implications: The study offers scholars insights into gaps in the existing corpus of WLB research, thereby identifying a future research agenda. Practitioners can gain information on the impact of technology and on emerging concerns regarding WLB.

Originality: The study synthesizes WLB research published over nearly three decades and classifies the literature into themes. It integrates diverse perspectives on WLB, identifies emerging trends and research gaps, and helps shape a research agenda for the future.

Limitations and directions for future research: This study relied on a single database and was limited to English-language journal articles. Future studies may draw on multiple databases, multilingual sources, and a broader range of research documents. Additionally, research may focus on developing economies and underrepresented sectors.