Work-Life Balance: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The paper systematically reviews empirical work on work- life balance (WLB) among dual earner families, with the purpose of organizing and evaluating the literature on work- life balance, identifying the patterns and trends within the literature and finally to identify gaps and recommend new research areas on work- life balance. This review contributes to the literature by identifying the methodological approaches and theoretical perspectives adopted in the work- life balance literature and recommendations made on how some selected theories can also be utilized to provide a clearer understanding into the work- life experiences of dual- earner families. The review further stresses the need for methodological advancement in the form of the use of multilevel analysis, experimental design and a dynamic approach to investigating how employees' work–life experiences are likely to differ as a result of cultural, economic and institutional influences in various parts of the world.