Balancing Demands and Resources Along the Work–Family Continuum of Working Mothers: Insights From a Meta-Synthesis Study

Abstract

Balancing work and family life presents challenges for working mothers, which are influenced by societal expectations, organizational dynamics, and personal aspirations. Despite extensive research on work–life balance (WLB), there remains a gap in understanding working mothers’ WLB experiences and strategies. Drawing on the Work-Home Resources model, the present research addresses the gap by examining the demands and resources that influence working mothers’ WLB, as well as the outcomes of demand-resource interactions. Using a meta-synthesis approach of 49 qualitative studies, an in-depth examination of the WLB was presented. The results demonstrate significant variations in experiences caused by some socio-economic, cultural, and organizational factors, emphasizing the key role of workplace regulations and societal norms in establishing the balance between work and family life. This study enhances the understanding of working mothers’ distinctive struggles and adaptation processes by combining multiple perspectives from numerous studies, with valuable implications for policymakers, employers, and researchers.