Work-Life Balance Policies and Programs

In this chapter we discuss work-life conflict and how it can be reduced through work-life balance (WLB) policies and programs. We describe work-life conflict in terms of three major dimensions, namely: (1) time-based conflict (e.g., time spent on activities in one role impedes the completion of responsibilities in another role), (2) strain-based conflict (e.g., pressure from one role inhibits the fulfillment of obligations in another role), and (3) behavior-based conflict (e.g., behaviors exhibited in one role are incompatible or incongruent with behavior patterns needed in the other role). As such, work-life balance policies and programs in an organization refer to organizational interventions designed to assist employees in reducing work-life conflict. We identify five major groups of WLB practices. These are: (1) work-load management programs, (2) flextime programs, (3) flexplace programs, (4) alternative job arrangements, and (5) family care programs. Work-load management programs are designed to reduce workload (e.g., workhours, time pressure, and role ambiguity).