Work-Life Balance and Satisfaction with Life among Korean Workers: focused on marital status and family characteristics

Abstract

The current article attempts to understand the overall work-life balance of working people and to identify the relationship between work-life balance and life satisfaction. Because work-life balance is particularly affected by family characteristics, this article emphasizes the importance of providing various work-life balance environments by identifying the variations and characteristics of representative family-related factors. This article analyzes the work-life balance satisfaction level and the relationship between work-life balance and life satisfaction by marital status, children's conditions, and family types. Based on the results, I suggest policy directions for work-life balance. Political interest in the balance between work and personal life and quality of life is needed. Policies should focus on improving the work-life balance for women, workers in their 30s and 40s, and those with preschool children. Policymakers should also consider ways to improve work-life balance and life satisfaction not only for families with no primary caregiver but also for families that cannot purchase care services. Furthermore, work-life balance policies should reflect family changes in Korean society and take into account small families, such as single-parent families.