Work–Life Balance, Employee Stress, and the Role of HR Policies in Enhancing Job Performance

Abstract

Work–life balance (WLB) matters. When employees can balance their work and personal lives, they experience less stress and perform better at their jobs. But here is the challenge: most research looks at these issues separately. Some studies focus on WLB, others on occupational stress, and others on human resources (HR) policies. Very few examine how all three work together. More importantly, this subject covers an important area in the current HR literature on how HR policies such as flexible hours, working from home instead of always being in the office, wellness programmes, retreat programmes, and counselling programmes can go a long way in making sure that employees are comfortable in their workplace, thereby leading to increased employee productivity. The organisation will provide good working conditions for its employees, which will allow employee to have a sense of contentment and less worry about going home, hence less stress and the ability to continue carrying out their duties well since they will be less stressed.