The paradigm shift from work–life balance to work–life fit
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21652265 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Janka Vydrová (0000-0001-5363-6932, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-68 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-13 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Organization Theory and Behavior (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1093-4537 • E-ISSN: 1532-4273 |
| Publisher | Emerald (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1108/ijotb-06-2025-0177 |
| OpenAlex | W7123354689 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 106 |
Purpose This study aims to explore the paradigm shift from work–life balance (WLB) to work–life fit (WLF) as a response to evolving employee expectations, digital transformation and hybrid work models. It aims to identify key differences between both paradigms, synthesize major influencing factors and propose an integrative framework for understanding sustainable work–life alignment. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, covering 109 peer-reviewed studies published between 1985 and 2025 from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Data extraction and synthesis followed the antecedents–decisions–outcomes framework to identify the determinants shaping the work–life interface. Conceptual insights were further integrated into the work–life fit alignment model (WLFAM), which connects individual, social and organizational dimensions. Findings The results demonstrate that WLF represents a dynamic and context-sensitive construct emphasizing personalized flexibility, organizational trust and inclusive culture rather than static equilibrium between work and non-work domains. The proposed WLFAM conceptualizes alignment as an adaptive process supported by leadership, digital tools and strategic human resource management practices. Originality/value This paper advances the theoretical understanding of work–life dynamics by reframing balance into adaptive fit and by introducing the WLFAM as a multidimensional framework for research and practice. It provides actionable guidance for organizations seeking to institutionalize sustainable flexibility, enhance well-being and strengthen long-term resilience
Cognitive reframing · Complex adaptive system · Conceptual framework · Paradigm shift · Scopus · Sensemaking · Interdisciplinary Studies and Sociocultural Dynamics · Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior · Work-Family Balance Challenges
Work–family conflict, emotional exhaustion, and displaced aggression toward others
Work-life balance, social support, and burnout
Perceived work–life balance and organizational talent management
Efficient recruitment with effective job advertisement
Job crafting agility
Exploring the impact of digital work on work–life balance and job performance
Work-Life Balance
Outcomes of work–life balance on job satisfaction, life satisfaction and mental health
How Effective Are Work-Life Balance Policies? The Importance of Inclusion
Investing Time and Resources for Work–Life Balance
Work–Life Balance
Work-life balance predicted work ability two years later
A review and research agenda of work-life balance
The importance of personality and personal beliefs for understanding work-life balance in higher education
Do Technologies Damage Our Personal Life? The Association of Technostress and Work-Life Fit for Employees’ Psychological Well-Being
Work-life balance, career motivation and women
National-Level Family Policies and workers’ Access to Schedule Control in a European Comparative Perspective
The trouble with ‘work–life balance’ in neoliberal academia
Work–life balance
Assessing the growth of remote working and its consequences for effort, well‐being and work‐life balance
Who and where are the flexible workers? Exploring the current diffusion of telework in Sweden
Good to be home? Time‐use and satisfaction levels among home‐based teleworkers
Moderating effect of leisure satisfaction on the relationship between work-life conflict and life satisfaction
The transition to part-time
Flextime/Flexspace for All in the Organization? A Study of the Availability, Use, and Consequences of Flexible Work Arrangements for Low and High SES Employees in Nine European Countries
Societal Gender Inequality as Moderator of the Relationship Between Work–Life Fit and Subjective Well-Being
How Does Work-Life Conflict Influence Wellbeing Outcomes? A Test of a Mediating Mechanism Using Data from 33 European Countries
Women's involvement in multiple roles and psychological distress
Flexible work
Flexible Working and the Division of Housework and Childcare
Family-Friendly' Jobs and Motherhood Pay Penalties
Understanding the association between time spent caregiving and well-being among employed adults
Self-employment and family life
Flexible Working, Work-Life Balance, and Gender Equality
A Cross-National Study on the Antecedents of Work-Life Balance from the Fit and Balance Perspective
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |