Work-life Balance Is Matter during COVID-19 Pandemic?

Abstract

This study analyzes change in public perceptions of Work-life balance (WLB) and factors that contribute to the impact on it during the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines changes in perception, differences in relation to individual characteristics, and factors affecting perception, using data from a public perception survey conducted in 2014 and 2021. The public perception of WLB reduced the perception of the importance and necessity of WLB in the COVID-19 pandemic in 202 compared to 2014. Second, differences were seen in the perception of WLB according to age, education level, and ideological orientation. In particular, respondents in their 20s and 30s recognized the need for WLB in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Third, the main factors affecting the perception of WLB were age, job type, ideological orientation, and trust in the government. The older the age, the lower the perception of the WLB, and ideological orientation had a positive (+) effect. Trust in Government had a positive (+) effect on the importance of a work label and a negative (-) effect on necessity. In addition, self-employment had a negative (-) effect on the lack of WLB, showing that the self-employed are strongly aware of the necessity of work rather than leisure in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.