The complexity of resources related to work-life balance and well-being – a survey among municipality employees in Sweden

Abstract

Increasing sickness absence rates among care and service employees in Sweden motivate health-promoting activities. It is crucial to employers and key stakeholders, like HRM departments, to have knowledge of resources related to employees' work life balance (WLB) to increase well-being at work. The aim of the study was to explore resources associated with WLB, with focus on work and private lives among care and service employees. A questionnaire survey to a total population of two municipality departments (n = 631, response rate 76%) was conducted. A linear regression model showed five significant main resources related to WLB: a positive life situation, recovery, a positive time experience at work, a positive time experience in private life and well-being. Logistics regression models further exploring the main resources showed essential sub-resources such as health-promoting leadership, supportive home environment and reflection on everyday life. This two-step analysis with a salutogenic perspective points out a holistic and complex picture of possibilities to promote employees’ WLB and well-being. These findings can be used as a supportive framework for HR departments in charge of competence development for managers. Moreover, the results are important in both policy-making and as a foundation for workplace health promotion (WHP) interventions.