A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF WORK–LIFE BALANCE AND QUALITY OF WORK LIFE AMONG CLINICAL AND NON-CLINICAL HOSPITAL STAFF

Abstract

Balancing professional obligations with personal well-being is a persistent challenge for healthcare employees, whose demanding roles directly affect both individual health and institutional performance. This systematic review consolidates evidence from international and Indian research exploring determinants of Work–Life Balance (WLB) and Quality of Work Life (QWL) among hospital workforces. Literature between 1990 and 2024 was analysed to identify patterns related to workload, shift scheduling, emotional labour, leadership, ergonomics, and organisational climate. The findings demonstrate that equitable workloads, supportive supervision, and ergonomic work environments substantially enhance job satisfaction, retention, and psychological well-being, while excessive hours and inadequate staffing contribute to burnout and attrition. The review concludes with empirically grounded recommendations for healthcare administrators and researchers aiming to strengthen staff welfare and hospital sustainability.