Implementing a work-life balance culture in SMEs though relational learning

A possible explanation for the numerous failures in the implementation and use of work life balance (WLB) practices may relate to the fact that the majority of companies have only introduced them without exploring the market. This paper analyses the relationships between relational learning and WLB culture and tries to identify whether WLB culture impacts on the business performance through an empirical study of 229 SMEs in the Spanish metal industry. Our findings show that in order to support a positive attitude toward WLB, managers need to provide and support a relearning process. These findings provide interesting insights into the drivers of organisational performance for SMEs using a WLB-supporting culture.