Impact of work–life balance on mental health of working women

Work–life balance is widely recognized as a critical determinant of mental well-being, particularly for women who often manage professional responsibilities alongside disproportionate unpaid domestic and care giving work. In the contemporary globalized economy, women’s participation in the workforce has increasingly shifted from being a matter of choice to an economic necessity. However, this transformation has not been matched by an equal redistribution of domestic roles and responsibilities within households. As a result, many working women experience a “dual burden,” simultaneously fulfilling the expectations of an “ideal worker” in the professional sphere and an “ideal caregiver” in the private sphere. This paper explores the multidimensional concept of work–life balance, its factors and significant impact on the mental well-being of working women, with particular reference to the Indian context. Drawing on sociological perspectives and recent empirical studies, the research highlights how inadequate work–life balance contributes to develop the levels of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and burnout.