Abstract:

This study deals with the concept of work-life balance and focuses on the specific characteristics of Generation Y. It identifies the requirements and needs of this specific generation in order to subsequently derive recommendations for the use of work-life balance concept. The aim is to meet Generation Y’s work life expectations. For this purpose, the concept of work-life balance, the different generations and their characteristics as well as the subject of job satisfaction were reviewed. Systematically, current research in the field of work-life balance, job satisfaction and delimitation of generations is outlined to provide foundation for the empiricism. In order to collect valid data, an online questionnaire was compiled and distributed via Facebook. Sample n consists of 195 people, whereof 88 were excluded due to sample criteria mismatch. The remaining 107 were assessed and the results show that work-life balance is deemed as important or even very important by most of the study participants (>90\%). Further, results indicate flexible work time and workplace health promotion as measures that best suit Generation Y's needs. A comparison of the desired and expected work-life balance measures and the measures introduced by the participants' employers, however, reveals considerable differences. Consequently, the concept of work-life balance juxtaposing employers and employees perception is not aligned. During evaluation work-life balance (Scale: TKS-WLB) in junction with job satisfaction (Scale: SAZ) reveals a significant correlation. This research highlights that further studies for Generation Y are needed to proof if a well thought out and executed employers' work-life balance concept has a positive impact on both staff productivity and job satisfaction as indicated in this study.

Keywords:

Work-Life Balance, Generation Y, Employee Satisfaction.