Work–life balance: a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis

• Published in: International journal of sociology and social policy Vol. 42; no. 11/12; pp. 1028 - 1065
• Main Authors: Rashmi, Kumari, Kataria, Aakanksha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bingley Emerald Publishing Limited 23.09.2022; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Bibliometrics; Citations; Content analysis; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Diversification; Employees; Flexible hours; Gender differences; Literature reviews; Mapping; Organizational culture; Organizational research; Perceptions; Quality of life; Sociocultural factors; Statistics; Systematic review; Work life balance; Work-Leisure conflict; Work–life balance; Bibliometric analysis; Scopus; VOS viewer; Systematic literature review
• ISSN: 0144-333X; 1758-6720
• DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-06-2021-0145

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a clear view of current dynamics and research diversification of extant literature in the field of work-life balance (WLB). This paper provides a systematic and critical analysis of WLB literature using bibliometric analysis.Design/methodology/approach Scopus database has been used for carrying out this review that is based on 945 research papers published from 1998 to 2020. The prominence of the research is assessed by studying the publication trend, sample statistics, theoretical foundation, the highly cited research articles and journals, most commonly used keywords, research themes of top four recognized clusters, sub-themes within each cluster and thematic overview of WLB corpus formed on the premise of bibliographic coupling. Additionally, content analysis of recently published papers revealed emerging research patterns and potential gaps.Findings Major findings indicate that the research area consists of four established and emerging research themes based on clusters formed as (1) flexible work arrangements, (2) gender differences in WLB, (3) work–life interface and its related concepts, and (4) WLB policies and practices. Emerging themes identified through content analysis of recent articles include gender discrepancy, the impact of different forms of contextual (situational) factors and organizational culture.Originality/value This research paper is the first of its kind on the subject of WLB as it provides multifariousness of study fields within the WLB corpus by using varied bibliographic mapping approaches. It also suggests viable avenues for future research.