A Review of Work-Life Balance Trends in Remote Work

Abstract

This bibliometric analysis explores the development of work-life balance (WLB) research within remote work, covering publications from 2014 to 2023. The study uses the Scopus database to examine key trends, including annual publication growth, language distribution, country contributions, subject areas, leading authors, and highly cited papers. Results show a sharp increase in research output following the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the global shift to remote work, significantly impacting WLB. English is the predominant publication language, with the United States, India, and the United Kingdom contributing the highest number of studies. The research spans diverse disciplines such as social sciences, business, medicine, psychology, and environmental sciences, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of WLB studies. Key themes include employee productivity, mental health, job satisfaction, and organizational strategies for sustaining WLB in remote work settings. The study highlights influential papers and authors, as well as emerging themes and gaps in this study. Limitations include the exclusive reliance on the Scopus database, which may exclude relevant studies from other sources. Overall, this analysis offers valuable insights into the progression of WLB research in remote work environments, providing practical implications for policymakers and organizations aiming to improve employee well-being and work-life integration in the modern, flexible workplace.