EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS ON WORK-LIFE BALANCE: A STUDY OF WORKING COUPLES

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) on Work-Life Balance (WLB) among dual-income working couples in Pakistan, a context shaped by traditional gender norms and evolving workplace dynamics. Drawing on the Work-Life Enrichment Theory, Work-Family Border Theory, and the Couple-Level Resource Allocation Model, the study explores how FWAs influence WLB directly and indirectly through work-family conflict, while also examining the moderating roles of job autonomy and gender. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 100 individuals (50 dual-earner couples) residing in Rawalpindi and Islamabad - cities selected for their high concentration of formal employment, robust digital infrastructure, and the growing presence of flexible work policies, particularly in the wake of post-pandemic organizational transformations. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) revealed that FWAs significantly enhance WLB, both directly and through the reduction of work-family conflict. Furthermore, job autonomy strengthens this relationship, while gender differences suggest that women derive greater benefit from FWAs due to their disproportionate domestic responsibilities. The findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive, context-specific, and relational work-life policies to ensure equitable outcomes. This research contributes to the expanding literature on flexible work by offering empirical insights from a developing, culturally distinct context, emphasizing the importance of couple-level dynamics in understanding work-life integration.

Keywords: Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs), Work-Life Balance (WLB), Dual-Earner Couples, Work-Family Conflict, Job Autonomy, Gender Differences