Exploring the Influence of Remote Work and Job Satisfaction on Employee Work-Life Balance Amid Economic Turmoil: Insights from Sri Lanka

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the ensuing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, has significantly hastened the transition to remote work, simultaneously raising vital concerns regarding employee well-being. This study meticulously investigates the intricate interplay between remote work dynamics and job satisfaction, particularly focusing on their combined effect on work-life balance among IT professionals in Sri Lanka. While remote work affords a considerable degree of flexibility, it also presents substantial challenges, notably the blurring of lines between professional responsibilities and personal life. Crucially, job satisfaction emerges as a determining factor in alleviating these challenges, thereby enhancing employees' capabilities to manage their professional and personal commitments effectively. Employing a robust quantitative methodology, the research involved a comprehensive analysis of survey data collected from 384 IT employees. Utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the findings reveal that both job satisfaction and the quality of the work environment have significant positive impacts on work-life balance. This underscores the imperative for organizations to implement supportive policies tailored for remote workers, especially during periods of economic volatility. The insights derived from this research contribute valuable perspectives to the ongoing discourse on adaptive workplace strategies, offering practical recommendations for businesses navigating the complexities of crisis-induced remote work dynamics.