Work-life balance in a Japanese sample: a person-centered approach
Date
2020
Authors
Tran, Thao P., author
Henry, Kimberly L., advisor
Fisher, Gwenith G., committee member
Lucas-Thompson, Rachel G., committee member
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Abstract
Work-life balance (WLB) has been linked to one's job satisfaction, well-being, and quality of life. Despite its importance, WLB remains elusive to many working people. The present study used a person-centered methodology called Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to answer three research questions: (1) Can people be categorized into meaningful exclusive and exhaustive latent groups of varying degree of WLB based on their experiences in work and life domains?; (2) To what extent do demographic variables predict membership in certain profile of WLB?; (3) Are identified profiles of WLB related to individuals' well-being? In a sample of over 700 middle-aged workers from Tokyo, Japan, I identified three distinct subgroups that qualitatively differed in their symptomology of balance. I referred to these as the Moderate WLB Profile that was family-oriented and partially engaged in their multiple life roles, the High WLB Profile that was fully engaged and efficient at managing their roles, and the Low WLB Profile that was partially engaged and inefficient at juggling among several life roles. Regarding demographics, age, gender, and marital status seemed to be important predictors of one's latent profile membership. Furthermore, the latent profile membership was predictive of one's well-being. In sum, the study results suggested that WLB is indeed critical to workers' well-being and hence, further efforts to boost balance are needed. One-size-fit-all policies of WLB may not work well for all employees. Understanding workers' circumstances is critical for more targeted interventions/policies to enhance balance.
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Subject
latent profile analysis
person-centered
work-life balance
middle-aged
Japanese
well-being