Work life balance concept: Person juggling work and family icons

Work-Life Juggling Act: Can Companies Really Help You Find Balance?

Nico Varela in Business & Economy December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how supportive work environments and family-friendly policies impact your well-being and job performance."

In today's fast-paced world, the quest for work-life balance often feels like an elusive dream. The lines between professional responsibilities and personal life blur, leading to increased stress and burnout. Many companies are now recognizing the importance of supporting their employees in this juggling act, but the question remains: can they really make a difference?

According to a recent study, the implementation and accessibility of work-family policies can significantly impact employee well-being and job performance. These policies, ranging from flexible work hours to family support services, aim to alleviate the pressures of balancing work and personal commitments. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives varies, and understanding what truly works is crucial for both employees and employers.

This article delves into the research, exploring how different work-family policies affect your overall well-being and productivity. We'll uncover the specific strategies that make a real impact and provide actionable insights to help you navigate the complexities of work-life balance in today's demanding environment.

Decoding Work-Family Policies: What Actually Makes a Difference?

Work life balance concept: Person juggling work and family icons

The study, titled "Relationship between work-family balance, employee well-being, and job performance", investigated the impact of various work-family policies on employees in the Spanish banking sector. Researchers José Aurelio Medina-Garrido, José María Biedma-Ferrer, and Antonio Rafael Ramos-Rodríguez analyzed data from 1,511 employees, using a structural equation model to test their hypotheses. The results offer valuable insights into what truly works when it comes to supporting work-life balance.

One of the key findings of the study is that the mere existence of work-family policies isn't enough. Employees need to perceive these policies as truly accessible and usable without fear of negative consequences. This perception of accessibility, combined with the actual implementation of supportive measures, is what drives positive outcomes.

Flexibility in Working Time (Flexi-time): Adapting the duration and distribution of working hours, including continuous working days, breaks, and overall flexibility.
Long Paid and Unpaid Leaves: Offering leaves to care for hospitalized family members, attend medical appointments, or manage personal matters.
Flexibility in Work Location (Flexi-place): Providing opportunities for teleworking, videoconferencing, or transferring to a location nearer to the family home.
Employee and Family Support Services: Offering workplace nurseries, childcare allowances, counseling services, and financial support.

The researchers found that when employees felt they could freely access flexible working hours, long leaves, or flexible work locations, their well-being improved. This, in turn, positively influenced their job performance. However, simply having these policies in place without ensuring true accessibility didn't yield the same results. This highlights the importance of creating a supportive organizational culture where employees feel empowered to utilize these resources.

Creating a Culture of Support: Key Takeaways for a Balanced Life

Ultimately, achieving work-life balance isn't just about having policies in place; it's about fostering a supportive environment where employees feel valued and empowered. By prioritizing employee well-being and ensuring that work-family policies are truly accessible, companies can create a culture that benefits both their employees and their bottom line. For employees, understanding these dynamics can help you advocate for your needs and seek out workplaces that genuinely support your quest for a balanced life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1108/arla-08-2015-0202,

Title: Relationship Between Work-Family Balance, Employee Well-Being And Job Performance

Subject: econ.gn q-fin.ec

Authors: Jose Aurelio Medina-Garrido, Jose Maria Biedma-Ferrer, Antonio Rafael Ramos-Rodriguez

Published: 15-12-2023

Everything You Need To Know

What work-family policies were investigated in the study?

The study investigated several work-family policies, including Flexibility in Working Time (Flexi-time), Long Paid and Unpaid Leaves, Flexibility in Work Location (Flexi-place), and Employee and Family Support Services. These policies were examined to determine their impact on employee well-being and job performance in the Spanish banking sector.

How does the accessibility of work-family policies affect employees?

The study emphasized that the mere existence of work-family policies isn't sufficient. Employees must perceive these policies as accessible and usable without fearing negative consequences. The feeling of accessibility, coupled with the actual implementation of supportive measures, is what drives positive outcomes. This perception significantly improves employee well-being and subsequently positively influences their job performance.

What are some examples of Flexibility in Working Time (Flexi-time) policies?

Flexibility in Working Time (Flexi-time) includes various options like adapting the duration and distribution of working hours. This can involve continuous working days, scheduled breaks, and overall flexibility in managing work schedules. The key is to allow employees greater control over their time to better balance work and personal commitments.

Can companies really help employees find work-life balance? If so, how?

Yes, companies can significantly help employees find work-life balance. They can do this by implementing and ensuring the accessibility of work-family policies such as Flexi-time, Long Paid and Unpaid Leaves, Flexi-place, and Employee and Family Support Services. However, the key is not just having the policies but creating a supportive organizational culture where employees feel valued and empowered to use these resources without fear of negative repercussions. When companies prioritize employee well-being and make these policies truly accessible, both employees and the company benefit.

What were the key findings of the study on work-family balance, employee well-being, and job performance?

The study, titled "Relationship between work-family balance, employee well-being, and job performance", found that the accessibility and implementation of work-family policies significantly impacted employee well-being and job performance. It revealed that while having policies like Flexi-time, Long Paid and Unpaid Leaves, Flexi-place, and Employee and Family Support Services is a starting point, the perception of their accessibility is crucial. Employees who felt they could freely access these policies showed improved well-being, which then led to improved job performance. This highlights that a supportive organizational culture is vital for the effective utilization of work-family policies.