The current research note is written for personnel managers and MBA students, aiming to raise awareness of the importance of work-life balance in employee management policies. In the intersection of work and personal life, the work-life balance is the equilibrium between the two; more specifically, the work-life balance explains the relationship and interaction between an individual's job and their private life. In the research note, we first introduce the concept and characteristics of work-life balance through relevant literature. We then argue the significance of incorporating work-life balance into employee management practices, as the concept of work-life balance helps managers appreciate individual differences and develop more human-oriented awareness in management. We encourage managers to adopt transformational leadership in their management, in which the concept of work-life balance should be embedded in the design and implementation of employee management policies. By giving more autonomy to the employees through work-life balance policies and practices, employees are more likely to appreciate the work and make more contributions accordingly. Practitioner points are also recommended.
The human factor of production is a significant player in increased organizational productivity. Due to the contemporary competitive work environment, the millennial in front-line jobs is faced with demanding work activities, resulting in challenges to their psychological well-being. Therefore, exploring the connectedness between work-life balance, employee engagement and psychological well-being of the millennial becomes imperative. Research was conducted, using an ex-post facto research design, among 320 purposively selected front-line millennial employees, with a mean age of 32 years. The instrument administered in a Google Form survey contained a 44-item self-report questionnaire, comprising work-life balance, employee engagement with components as vigor, dedication and absorption, and employee well-being. Data analyzed revealed that work-life balance significantly predicted employee well-being, accounting for 25% variance. The dimensions of employee engagement (vigor, dedication and absorption) collectively accounted for 7% variance in employee well-being. The study establishes the fact that to enhance the psychological well-being of Millennials in front-line jobs, organizational management should design the work structures to allow for work-life balance, which will as well increase their work engagement. They can encourage employees to find meaning and purpose in their work (dedication), provide opportunities for skill development and autonomy (vigor), and create an environment that allows employees to fully immerse themselves in their tasks (absorption). These could be implemented through organizational development strategies and work design. However, future research should target additional variables, replicate the study in different contexts and among another population of employees, employ longitudinal data collection methods, and increase sample sizes. Furthermore, measures should be taken to minimize the impact of social desirability and enhance the generalizability of the research.
The study of cognitive ergonomics and correct job design is a contemporary topic. This article defines and presents the main issues that ensure effective management of cognitive ergonomics and job design.
This study aimed to examine the impact of working conditions and sociopsychological factors on job satisfaction among office workers. Using data from the 2017–2018 Working Conditions Survey, exploring how workplace conditions and sociopsychological elements could impact job satisfaction. This study examined data from 9801 workers to explore the effects of working conditions and psychosocial environments on job enthusiasm, which subsequently impacts job satisfaction. Analyzing 1416 office workers, it found that fewer working hours, better work-life balance, improved work conditions, and lower depression levels enhance job enthusiasm, significantly affecting job satisfaction. The work environment had the most substantial impact, encompassing relationships with colleagues, task completion time, and confidence. Work-life imbalance and depression were also significant, with work-life balance being crucial for modern society, especially the younger generation. Poor working conditions and unstable psychosocial environments negatively affect job enthusiasm and satisfaction, with findings supporting previous research on job stress and turnover intentions in various industries. This study highlights the need for organizational policies that support these aspects to improve overall employee well-being and productivity.
This study addresses the critical issue of employee turnover intention within Malaysia’s manufacturing sector, focusing on the semiconductor industry, a pivotal component of the inclusive economy growth. The research aims to unveil the determinants of employee turnover intentions through a comprehensive analysis encompassing compensation, career development, work-life balance, and leadership style. Utilizing Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory as a theoretical framework, the study hypothesizes that motivators (e.g., career development, recognition) and hygiene factors (e.g., compensation, working conditions) significantly influence employees’ intentions to leave. The quantitative research methodology employs a descriptive correlation design to investigate the relationships between the specified variables and turnover intention. Data was collected from executives and managers in northern Malaysia’s semiconductor industry, revealing that compensation, rewards, and work-life balance are significant predictors of turnover intention. At the same time, career development and transformational leadership style show no substantial impact. The findings suggest that manufacturing firms must reevaluate their compensation strategies, foster a conducive work-life balance, and consider a diverse workforce’s evolving needs and expectations to mitigate turnover rates. This study contributes to academic discourse by filling gaps in current literature and offers practical implications for industry stakeholders aiming to enhance employee retention and organizational competitiveness.
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