Overwork culture, work-life balance and life satisfaction among Malaysian workforce.

Abstract

Today's fast paced world places increasing demands on the workforce. The pressures and demands of work are reflected in longer working hours and exhaustion which in turn leads to less scope for quality family time; participation in community activities; spiritual and personal development; leisure and recreation. Employers and individuals are now looking for ways to balance the demands of work and life. Work life balance is about effectively managing the juggling act between paid work and the other activities that are important to people. This study looks at the impact of work hours and personal beliefs on the life satisfaction of Malaysian workers. The findings of this study are expected to contribute towards understanding the work balance issues in the Malaysian context. Such knowledge can assist in the formulation of work life initiatives on the part of the employers and self management on the part of the worker. Achieving work life balance is important as the impact of worker stress on health and job satisfaction has been well documented. Job satisfaction in turn has an impact on human resource management issues such as absenteeism, stafftumover and job performance.