Work–Life Harmony and Employee Engagement: The Mediating Role of Psychological Well-Being

Abstract

Employee engagement is a key driver of organizational effectiveness, particularly in higher education institutions. This study investigates the relationship between work–life harmony and employee engagement, with psychological well-being as a mediating variable among faculty members in public and private universities. A quantitative research design was adopted using a structured questionnaire, and the proposed model was analyzed through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The findings indicate that work–life harmony positively influences employee engagement both directly and indirectly by enhancing psychological well-being. The study contributes to the Human Resource Management literature by highlighting the importance of employee well-being in fostering engagement and offers practical implications for designing HR policies that support a healthy and productive academic workforce. The findings reveal that work–life harmony has a significant positive effect on employee engagement and that psychological well-being partially mediates this relationship. Faculty members who experience greater harmony between their professional and personal lives report higher levels of psychological well-being, which, in turn, enhances their engagement, commitment, and productivity. The study contributes to the Human Resource Management literature by extending the understanding of work–life harmony as a strategic HR practice that promotes employee well-being and engagement. The findings provide practical implications for university administrators and HR professionals in designing policies that support flexible work arrangements, employee well-being initiatives, and a sustainable work environment to improve organizational performance.