Work–Life Balance within Close Relationships

Abstract

Abstract To explore work–life balance within close relationships, work–life balance is linked to the reduction of work–life conflicts (time, energy, strain, and behavior‐based). Macrosocietal discourses, organizational contexts, and individual differences are offered as influences on individuals’ potential to relationally balance work and personal life. Close relationships are conceptualized as occurring at work and in personal life, and as providing emotional and instrumental social support. At work, supervisor and peer/coworker support, both formal and informal, decreases work–life conflict. Conversely, unsupportive supervisors and coworkers can discourage work–life policy use, increasing work–life conflict and decreasing work–life balance. In the family/life domain, family support and partner support decrease work–life conflicts; partner support also impacts marital quality, relationship satisfaction, and family satisfaction. Dependent relationships impact caregiver strain, and the resulting work–life balance of caregivers. Findings indicate the ways social support, an inherently relational phenomenon, impacts how well individuals are able to achieve work–life balance.