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Supervisor Effects on Subordinates’ Work-Life Balance Satisfaction: Evidence from a Medium-Sized Japanese Company

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Dissatisfaction with work-life balance represents a potentially costly issue for firms and their employees. From an organizational perspective, human resource management practices are expected to foster attitudes and behaviors among employees that facilitate better work-life balance; supervisors play a crucial role in this regard. Additionally, individual factors influence how people resolve work-family conflicts. Because employees have different perspectives on work-life balance, there are considerable individual differences in how they achieve this balance. Therefore, this study examines the impact of supervisors on subordinates’ work-life balance satisfaction, using longitudinal personnel and employee satisfaction data to control for individual-specific effects. The results demonstrate that effective communication by supervisors on both work and family/personal life topics enhances subordinates’ work-life balance satisfaction, after controlling for individual-specific effects. The findings also suggest that companies should identify the traits and/or specific competencies of supervisors that most significantly impact employees’ work-life balance satisfaction.

Source: Employee Responsibilities and Rights Journal

DOI: 10.1007/s10672-026-09613-4

Authors: Tomotaka Hirao, Shizue Igawa, Yuko Okajima

Institutions: Setsunan University, Osaka Gakuin University, Kyoto University of Advanced Science

Language: English

Topic: Work-Family Balance Challenges

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,290