Work–Life Balance and Its Impact on Job Satisfaction and Employee Performance in Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Work–life balance has become an important concern in higher education institutions due to increasing job demands and role complexity experienced by academic and administrative staff. This study investigates the effect of work–life balance on job satisfaction and employee performance in higher education institutions. A quantitative research design was employed using a survey method. Data were collected from employees working in higher education institutions through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results demonstrate that work–life balance has a positive and significant effect on job satisfaction. In addition, job satisfaction significantly influences employee performance. The analysis also reveals that work–life balance directly affects employee performance and indirectly influences performance through job satisfaction as a mediating variable. These findings indicate that job satisfaction strengthens the relationship between work–life balance and employee performance. This study provides empirical evidence that supports the role of work–life balance as a strategic human resource management practice in higher education institutions. The findings suggest that organizational policies promoting balanced work arrangements and employee well-being can enhance job satisfaction and improve employee performance. Therefore, higher education managers are encouraged to integrate work–life balance initiatives into their human resource management strategies to achieve sustainable organizational performance.