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Making the link between work-life balance practices and organizational performance

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  • Beauregard, T. Alexandra
  • Henry, Lesley C.

Abstract

The business case for work-life balance practices, as espoused by many organizations, rests on attracting better applicants and reducing work-life conflict among existing employees in order to enhance organizational performance. This review of the literature provides some evidence for the claim regarding recruitment, but there is insufficient evidence to support the notion that work-life practices enhance performance by means of reduced work-life conflict. We suggest that the business case may therefore need to be modified to reflect the number of additional routes by which work-life balance practices can influence organizational performance, including enhanced social exchange processes, increased cost savings, improved productivity, and reduced turnover. The impact of these processes may, however, be moderated by a number of factors, including national context, job level, and managerial support. The importance of further research into the effects of these practices is discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Beauregard, T. Alexandra & Henry, Lesley C., 2009. "Making the link between work-life balance practices and organizational performance," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 25224, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:25224
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/25224/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nancy P. Rothbard & Katherine W. Phillips & Tracy L. Dumas, 2005. "Managing Multiple Roles: Work-Family Policies and Individuals’ Desires for Segmentation," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 16(3), pages 243-258, June.
    2. Beauregard, T. Alexandra, 2006. "Predicting interference between work and home : a comparison of dispositional and situational antecedents," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 892, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    3. Johnson, Nancy Brown & Provan, Keith G., 1995. "The relationship between work/family benefits and earnings: A test of competing predictions," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 24(4), pages 571-584.
    4. Nick Bloom & John Van Reenen, 2006. "Management Practices, Work--L ife Balance, and Productivity: A Review of Some Recent Evidence," Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Oxford University Press and Oxford Review of Economic Policy Limited, vol. 22(4), pages 457-482, Winter.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • L81 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Retail and Wholesale Trade; e-Commerce

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