IMPACT OF FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS ON WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

   This study examines the influence of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) on work-life balance and career development, focusing on how flexibility impacts employees' ability to balance personal and professional demands while advancing their careers. Data were collected from 127 employed adults across various sectors, using standardised questionnaires to assess FWAs, work-life balance, and career development. Results revealed a significant positive relationship between FWAs and work-life balance, which indicates that employees who use flexible arrangements report higher levels of personal well-being and reduced work-life conflict. Findings also reveal a positive, though less robust, association with career development. While flexibility supports career satisfaction to some extent, concerns remain regarding reduced visibility and advancement opportunities for employees working remotely or with non-traditional schedules. Findings support the Job Demand-Resource (JD-R) model. This suggests that FWAs function as a valuable resource in managing job demands. However, they also highlight the need for organisational support structures, such as mentorship programs and virtual networking, to address potential limitations in career advancement for FWA users. These insights underscore the importance of a balanced approach to FWAs while emphasising the need for inclusive strategies that promote both work-life balance and career growth. Future research is encouraged to further investigate these dynamics through longitudinal studies and to explore industry-specific variations in FWA effectiveness.   Keywords: Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs), Work-life balance, Career Development, Employee well-being, Organisational support