Work–Life Balance and Its Impact on the Emotional and Social Well-Being of Single Working Mothers

Abstract

The study was aimed at studying the impact of the work-life balance (WLB) on the emotional and social wellness of employed single mothers. Because of the nature of having to earn a living and caring for one’s family, and being a single parent, the balance and integration of office and non-office activities become even more critical. This study used a quantitative cross-sectional approach using a sample of 200 single working mothers from various sectors. To measure work-life balance, emotional well-being and social well-being, standardized questionnaires were administered. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses were used in order to measure the work-life relationships.  The outcome of the study established that mothers who had a balance of work and family responsibilities were more likely to experience happiness, emotional wellness, and even social wellness, social well-being. The results indicated that age, income, and working hours are non-predictors of well-being. This study has definitely proven that the integration of work and non-work activities has a substantial impact on the wellness and well-being of single, working mothers.  Some of the more important implications include social support systems for emotional wellness and positive productivity, and a more supportive work design that is flexible. These factors would enable single mothers to achieve a more effective balance of their professional and personal responsibilities.