Women in the workplace have significantly contributed to societal growth and development. Yet, they continue to face numerous challenges, particularly in achieving a work–life balance (WLB)—a struggle that has intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explores the dual responsibilities of managing work and home, the surge in domestic workloads, shared financial responsibilities and the lack of organisational support. Through qualitative research involving in-depth interviews with 15 working women from India, analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), the findings reveal a drastic change in daily routines that has negatively impacted their mental and physical well-being. The increased work hours and conflicts at home contribute to low productivity and morale, alongside heightened intentions to quit the job. Utilising spillover theory, the article discusses how these pressures affect both personal and professional spheres, offering recommendations to address these pressing issues and foster a healthier WLB for women in the post-pandemic era.
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