International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN: 2319-7064 SJIF (2020): 7.803 Volume 10 Issue 10, October 2021 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Work Life Balance in the Lens of Filipino Workers: A Generational Perspective Mary Grace O. Gumpal, RPm 1 , Reinalyn L. Cardenas, Ph. D., RPm 2 Isabela State University Echague, Isabela Philippines marygrace.o.gumpal[at]isu.edu.ph/quinnjuliana23[at]gmail.com RPsy Far Eastern University, Nicanor Reyes St, Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines rcardenas[at]feu.edu.ph/rein.lim[at]gmail.com Abstract: This exploratory research focuses on the perception of Filipino workers regarding work life balance. Work - life balance is a global phenomenon yet it is still new to many Filipino workers especially those who are working outside the metro. Filipinos are known to be hard workers, persistent, intelligent and loyal. Customarily, they work hard to provide a decent life for their families unmindful of their physical and mental health. Data collected from an in - depth interview to fifteen participants was analyzed using the thematic analysis (TA). It was found that boomers and millennial workers view work life balance similarly while members of generation X differ. For the Xers WLB is not simply appropriating equal time in doing each life roles but putting things in order according to what the situation calls, which is opposite to that of the Boomers and Millennial. It was concluded that their perceptions are antecedent of how they view and define a balanced life, and how they are achieving life satisfaction while doing their multiple roles. A definite and effective work - life balance policy and appropriate local material to analyze WLB were recommended. Keywords: work - life balance, cohorts, thematic analysis, exploratory research 1. Introduction Adult life is usually evolving into two important aspects – work and family [1]. This is very true especially in the Philippines where the culture of knit/close family ties is still heavily observed. This culture is also the main reason for most Filipinos being hard workers and having a workaholic attitude. Customary Filipinos always look for decent opportunities to earn and provide a decent life not only for themselves but especially for their families [2]. Filipino workers are highly responsive, empowered with technology, optimistic, and accustomed to long working hours even if it means sacrificing their personal and family time. Most Filipinos have a neutral English accent that they are competent in Business English, hence are globally and highly competitive [3]. Having these work attitudes, many Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) are investing in the country especially with its strong workforce. Many MNEs introduced and offered work life balance (WLB) not only to attract and keep the best workers but they also believed in creating a work environment that promotes work - life balance that could save them money and keep their workers safer and more efficient [4]. Work - life balance is a factor that may affect important workplace issues such as employee turnover, stress, organizational commitment, absenteeism, job satisfaction and productivity [5]. Work - life balance is an important aspect of a healthy work environment and maintaining it in the workplace can reduce stress and prevent burnout among employees. Unfortunately the concept of work life balance remains new to most Filipino workers since the government does not have a strong drive to design and implements a WLB policy. In the private sector, there were only a few multinational enterprises (MNEs) in the country which included WLB in their organizational policy. This is in contrast with a recent observation [6] that the Philippines is regarded as the most successful in implementing work - life balance policies among Asian Nations. These were the very reasons for the researchers to embark in this study because of the work attitude of Filipinos and their lives that seemingly imbalance. Technically, WLB refers to proper management of demands associated with job roles, and non - work roles such as family, personal interest, growth, and others that offer happiness and fulfillment to people. It involves various connections between the working - life dimensions of the individual and the personal life of a person. Knowing the work attitude and work habits of Filipinos it would be most important that they understand the benefit of having balance between the two domains. Truly work is the root of a meaningful life [4] because it is a necessity for human survival and it gives the individual the opportunity to gain independence; however its intense demands can also create exhaustion, fatigue, and lack of sleep, which leads to physical, emotional and mental stress. The work family border theory clearly sees that work and family are two major domains that constitute a person’s life [7]. Individuals are managing their work and family domains by setting borders that separates the two. The work and family domains are separate but are also interconnected [8]. Individuals are constantly crossing the domains daily and often multiple times during the day, which shapes and influences the other domain [7]. The role theory on the other hand explained that workers have a unique set of work roles with unique rights and responsibilities. Employees have multiple roles both within and outside the organization that Paper ID: SR201007212347 DOI: 10.21275/SR201007212347 588