Work–home balance: A management perspective

Abstract

Work–home balance issues have become a very important challenge for both management and employees in the twenty-first century. The purpose of this article is to examine work–home balance practices from a management perspective in the Irish hotel industry. There is a dearth of research in relation to work–home balance practices in the hotel sector. The study included a sample of all hotels in Ireland. It found that the needs of the organization are paramount with profitability considerations being the main driver of work–home practices and benefits. While the majority of managers agree that people work best when they can balance their work and home life there is evidently a gap between theory and practice. Work–home balance is now a critical issue for the hospitality industry and it is imperative it comes to terms with the long working hours culture and related issues, which impact negatively on work–home balance. The interdependent relationship between home and work needs urgent attention as this not only impacts on the quality of working life but on the individual and on the greater good of society. Management would do well by broadening their perspective, not just considering the needs of the organization but also the employee’s home life. Doing the latter will redound to the benefit of the organization, as happy employees result in greater productivity as shown by the literature. This study has also highlighted that trade unions can also be more proactive in relation to work–life balance practices. So far they have adopted a laissez-faire approach and they could provide leadership to both managers and employees on such a critical issue for both personal well-being and the well-being of the organization and society.