The Impact of Work-Life Balance on Job Performance and Job Satisfaction among Healthcare Professionals in Malaysia

Abstract

The ideas and methods of human resource management (HRM) have evolved in the modern era to incorporate the promotion of a healthy work-life balance (WLB). Flexible scheduling and encouraging management are two examples of these methods. Work-life balance (WLB) strategies have had a considerable effect on the recruitment, retention, motivation, and growth of the workforce. This research examines the effects of WLB policies and practices on the productivity of medical professionals in East Malaysia. The relationship between work-life balance practices and employees' productivity is explored, as is the function of job satisfaction as a moderator. For this research, questionnaires were sent out to 586 medical professionals in the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak during the 2021 and 2022 school years. Four hypotheses were tested using indicators of job happiness and productivity in addition to validated measures of work-life balance practices like flexible working hours and supportive supervision. The study's findings suggest that allowing employees more freedom over their schedules and providing them with more encouraging leadership can have a significant and positive effect on productivity on the job. Job satisfaction acts as a moderator between the positive effects of work-life balance policies like flexible scheduling and supportive management on employee productivity. Improving job happiness and, by extension, performance and productivity can be achieved through the use of effective work-life balance strategies. The study's primary goal is to inform efforts to improve Malaysia's healthcare industry's ability to recruit, retain, and inspire its medical professionals.