Work-Life Balance and Social Support Among IT Professionals: An Integrative Review

Abstract

In the whirlwind world of IT, juggling deadlines, tasks, and personal life often feels like walking a tightrope. Work–life balance (WLB) is no longer a luxury, it’s essential. Social support from colleagues, supervisors, and family can act as a safety net, cushioning the strain of long hours and high expectations. This integrative review gathers insights from studies published between 2015 and 2025, exploring how social support shapes WLB among IT professionals. Evidence suggests that those with robust support systems navigate work and personal responsibilities more smoothly, while those without often face stress, burnout, and conflict. Gender differences, organizational culture, and societal expectations also color these experiences. By weaving together these threads, the review highlights practical and research implications, urging organizations to foster supportive environments that help employees not just survive, but thrive.