The changing economic conditions and evolving social demands have transformed the nature of work across the globe. In this dynamic working environment, the concept of "work-life balance" has gained increasing relevance. Individuals find themselves thrust into a world where they must grapple with the challenges and shifts occurring in the social, political, and economic fabric of society. These changes have not only influenced the nature of employment but also its relationship with life beyond work, making work-life balance a burning topic in recent years.
The forces of modernization and urbanization have brought about rapid changes in education, employment, lifestyles, and personal lives, particularly affecting the roles of women. Driven by societal and economic pressures, women are increasingly compelled to share the financial burden for the betterment of their families. Consequently, women must navigate multiple roles in both their careers and personal lives. In this complex situation, women encounter numerous challenges as they strive to establish their identities in the competitive world, a struggle commonly referred to as work-life balance.
The growth of the economy has opened doors for numerous women to pursue higher education. However, this achievement presents a formidable challenge as working women must juggle their responsibilities at home and in the office. Marriage and motherhood add further dimensions to their roles, with the added responsibility of caring for children and the family. The pressure to sustain their careers while fulfilling family obligations places a heavy burden on working women. Attempting to integrate, organize, and balance the various demands and activities across their multiple roles places them under tremendous pressure.
For many working employees, achieving a balance between work and family proves challenging. As C.B. Gupta (p-32.9) aptly points out, maintaining this equilibrium is no easy feat. The quest for work-life balance gives rise to a multitude of issues encompassing personal, family, work, social, environmental, and cultural aspects, as noted by A. Vanitha in 2014. Imbalance in this delicate equation can lead to higher absenteeism, decreased job satisfaction, and, at times, elevated employee attrition, as emphasized by S. Padma et al. in 2013. Consequently, work-life balance emerges as an essential pursuit and a major challenge for the new generation of the 21st century, as underscored by S.K. Bhatia (349).
In the words of Peggy G. Hutcheson in 2012, "Work-Life Balance is the state of control, achievement, and satisfaction in an employee's life." Today, full-time employment has become the norm for women, with ever-increasing workloads. As a result, many women carry their work responsibilities and family duties back home. The interplay between work and family responsibilities often shapes the daily lives of these individuals.
