Work-Life Balance in the Era of Flexibility: Employee-Oriented Theories, Models, and Policies

Agnieszka Szczudlińska-Kanoś () and Małgorzata Marzec ()
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Agnieszka Szczudlińska-Kanoś: Jagiellonian University
Małgorzata Marzec: Jagiellonian University

A chapter in Knowledge Management and Innovation, Volume I, 2026, pp 209-231 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This article aims to present the theoretical foundations of work-life balance (WLB) and flexible work arrangements (FWA). The article examines various theories and models explaining the impact of FWA on WLB. Furthermore, the article examines the advantages and disadvantages of flexible work arrangements. Practical examples of FWA applications in various organizations complement the theoretical considerations. The article is based on a narrative literature review of theories and models related to work-life balance and flexible work arrangements. The literature analysis suggests that FWA can have a significant impact on WLB through various mechanisms, including stress reduction, increased employee autonomy, and improved job satisfaction. On the other hand, theories also point to potential disadvantages of FWA, including difficulties in separating work from personal life and the risk of social isolation. The article contributes to both political and administrative sciences and to management and quality sciences by comprehensively discussing the theoretical foundations of FWA and its impact on WLB. The originality of the article lies in the integration of various theories and models with practical examples, which allows for a better understanding of the complexities of FWA and WLB.

Keywords: Work-life balance; Flexible work arrangements; Management; Employee-oriented policies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-032-16620-3_9

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-16620-3_9

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