A comprehensive bibliometric study analyzes two decades (2000–2020) of work-life balance (WLB) research, tracing its evolution, impact, and emerging trends. Reviewing 1,190 articles from Scopus, the study identifies key knowledge clusters, influential works, and gaps in the field, offering a foundational understanding of WLB’s scholarly trajectory.
Findings show that WLB research has grown exponentially since 2015, with leading contributions from the USA, UK, Australia, India, and Canada. The study highlights influential works, including Greenhaus et al.’s (2003) research on work-family conflict, and notes increasing attention to human sustainability, social equity, and technology’s role in work-life dynamics.
The article calls for future research on WLB’s impact on employee turnover, digital workplace shifts, and policy interventions, particularly in developing nations. As WLB research becomes more interdisciplinary, it is poised to shape management theory and workplace policies in the years ahead.