Work-Life Balance

A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This study presents a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on Work-Life Balance (WLB) published between 2020 and 2025, using the PRISMA model to ensure a transparent and structured selection process. A total of 61 open-access articles were reviewed from Scopus, ScienceDirect, Emerald Insight, and Google Scholar. The findings show a sharp increase in WLB research after 2022, largely influenced by digital transformation, flexible work arrangements, and post-pandemic adjustments. The results indicate that quantitative methods dominate the field, followed by qualitative, bibliometric, and mixed-method studies. Geographically, most research originates from Asia and Europe, focusing on the education, healthcare, and corporate sectors. Theoretical foundations commonly used include the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) Model, Boundary Theory, and Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory, all emphasizing the balance between job demands, personal resources, and organizational support. The review identifies key research gaps across three dimensions. At the individual level, more studies are needed to explore how psychological abilities interact with demographic factors. At the organizational level, future work should examine how leadership, culture, and technology influence WLB policies. At the social level, limited attention has been given to cultural norms, community support, and the risks of digital burnout. The study concludes that WLB has evolved into a strategic, multidisciplinary issue integrating individual, organizational, and social perspectives in the digital era.