Women and Work-Life Balance: Investigate the Challenges and Strategies Employed by Women in Balancing Professional and Personal Responsibilities

Abstract

The research examines how women in Pakistan experience managing their professional and personal responsibilities. The workforce participation growth of women has made work-life balance (WLB) challenges more urgent because of cultural norms and economic realities without sufficient organizational support. A qualitative methodological framework combined with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) guides this research which examines eleven professional women employed in education, healthcare, business along with IT fields. The research analyzes challenges including physical exhaustion and time limitations along with societal norms and rigid workplace regulations through comprehensive semi-structured interview analysis. Through the research participants demonstrate different ways they manage difficulties which include both effective time organization and seeking social help together with personal care practices and flexible work schedule requests. The investigation analyzes work-life balance challenges through five primary themes that include Work-Life Balance Struggles, Coping Mechanisms and Strategies, Socio-Cultural and Economic Influences, Personal and Professional Role Conflict, and Workplace Environment and Policy Challenges. Through detailed analysis of women's daily experiences this research enhances current knowledge about work-life balance while proposing reforms that support inclusive workplace policies and promote shared domestic responsibilities.