WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND FAMILY WELL-BEING IN THE BENGALURU IT SECTOR A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RESEARCH THEMES, EXPLANATORY PERSPECTIVES, AND EVIDENCE GAPS

Abstract

Work-life balance is often a concern for employees, as they strive to accommodate their professional demands alongside their familial and personal needs amidst limited time and resources. This is particularly evident in the information technology sphere due to the sector's deadline-driven nature, its reliance on digital communication, and the frequent shifts in its working arrangements. This article reviews themes of work-life balance and its potential associations with family well-being, with a focus on information technology employees in Bengaluru. The review explores the key constructs and themes, possible links between work and home domains, and the methodological considerations for interpreting the evidence. The review conceptualizes work-life balance as involving a sense of control, the compatibility of working and family roles, recovery, and support as well as the quality of family interactions. Similarly, family well-being encompasses relationship quality, shared time, emotional atmosphere, care-giving capacity, and the ability to manage demands. The review covers work-family and family-work conflict, enrichment, organizational practices, supervisors' support, flexible work, gendered expectations, and technology, while also identifying gaps relevant to IT employees with at least five years of work experience. A systematic review requires transparency in selection processes and interpretation of findings. Thus, the final version of this article should specify the databases, screening counts, and study findings with verifiable references and full-article screening. This draft distinguishes between general discussion and evidence still awaiting verification.