Work-life balance among pre-pandemic remote workers: The role of emotional intelligence and self-efficacy during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This research aims to examine the effect of emotional intelligence on work-life balance, mediated by self-efficacy, among pre-pandemic remote workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the potential challenges in balancing work and personal life, the study focused on emotional intelligence and work-life balance among pre-pandemic remote workers, with self-efficacy being a mediator. Primary data was collected through purposive sampling by distributing self-administered questionnaires among 150 pre-pandemic remote workers. The findings of this study indicated that emotional intelligence had a significantly positive effect on work-life balance, with self-efficacy serving as a mediator among pre-pandemic remote workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sub-dimensions of emotional intelligence (self-awareness, empathy and social skills) had a significant positive effect on work-life balance, mediated by self-efficacy among pre-pandemic remote workers. The implications of this research are discussed.