Work and Personal Life Balance in Relation to Stress and Job Performance

Abstract

Work-life balance, stress, and job performance are interconnected constructs that shape employee well-being and organizational outcomes. Work-life balance, defined as the equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life, directly influences stress levels and job performance. Empirical research demonstrates that poor work-life balance exacerbates stress, which in turn diminishes job performance, while supportive organizational policies and personality traits such as extraversion moderate these relationships. Studies across diverse industries and countries reveal that flexible work arrangements, family-supportive practices, and stress management interventions mitigate adverse effects. For instance, Huo and Jiang (2023) found that work-life conflict negatively impacts well-being and performance, with extraversion amplifying stress. Conversely, Hariri et al. (2024) highlighted that balanced work-life harmony enhances psychological well-being and reduces stress. This review synthesizes global findings to elucidate the mediating role of stress and the contextual factors influencing these dynamics, offering insights for organizational strategies aimed at fostering employee resilience and productivity.