The Juggling Act: Managing Work-Life Conflict and Work-Life Balance

Family stressors linked to work life conflict have intensified in recent years with a rise in dual-earner families, female-headed households, and total hours worked. Tensions associated with managing the demands of employment and home life may have negative effects on mental and physical health, as well as family and job satisfaction. This article reviews the theoretical and research literature on factors associated with work life conflict, and examines the growing empirical literature regarding the effects of formal and informal public and employer-based policies available to facilitate work life balance and well-being. Implications for family policy and practice are discussed.