The mediating effect of self-efficacy between emotional intelligence and work-life balance among post-pandemic remote workers

Abstract

Employees have faced significant challenges in managing their work and personal lives, particularly during the COVID-19 period. In response to these ongoing struggles and potential conflicts, the study focuses on understanding the relationship between emotional intelligence and work-life balance in the context of remote work during the pandemic phase.

This study seeks to explore the effect of emotional intelligence and work-life balance, with self-efficacy acting as a mediating factor among post-pandemic remote workers in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. To address existing research gaps, the mediating role of self-efficacy was assessed to better understand this relationship. Primary data was gathered using purposive sampling through the distribution of self-administered questionnaires to 150 remote workers. The research adopted a conceptual paper format with a hypothesis-driven approach. Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence Theory (1998) served as the foundation for the conceptual framework, guiding the examination of its influence on work-life balance. Additionally, self-efficacy was incorporated as a mediating variable. The data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS). This research can benefit human resource management and government agencies by informing the development of more effective initiatives to enhance the professional well-being of remote workers. Additionally, researchers and academicians may gain valuable insights into the relationship between emotional intelligence and work-life balance among remote workers, contributing to the broader body of knowledge in this field.