A SCIENTOMETRIC RESEARCH OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN ACADEMIA

Abstract

Work-life balance has evolved as a crucial concept from the late 20th century into the 21st century, influenced by shifting work dynamics, societal changes, and technological advancements. While its historical roots can be traced to periods like the Industrial Revolution, it gained widespread attention in the late 20th century due to knowledge-based industries, mental health awareness, and technology impacts, further accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Academics face challenges in achieving work-life balance, including long hours, publication pressures, and competitive environments. Institutions are increasingly recognizing the importance of support, yet systemic issues persist. This study conducted a scientometric analysis of work-life balance research in academia, identifying 470 relevant articles between 1975 and 2022. It highlighted participating institutions, authors, and journals. Multidisciplinarity in this research was evident, and co-citation analysis revealed four significant clusters. While offering valuable insights, this study has limitations, such as database reliance and automated data extraction. Future research should explore other databases and consider co-authors in co-citation analyses. In conclusion, this scientometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of work-life balance research in academia, emphasizing the need for continued exploration to support academic professionals' well-being.