Investigating the Influence of Flexible Work Arrangements on Work-Life Balance in South Asian Gig Workers: Does Ryff's Six-Factor model of Psychological Well-being Moderates?

Abstract

Remote work endows with flexibility, and this flexibility makes or breaks work-life balance. This research establishes the association of flexible work arrangements with the work-life balance of gig workers. Besides, the moderation of Ryff's six-factor psychological well-being model is also investigated. The quantitative research method was used to collect data via an adapted questionnaire. The target population was the freelancers of selected five Facebook groups. SPSS-21 was used for descriptive and inferential statistics. For moderation, Peacher's and Hayes' process macro was performed. Data were collected from 384 respondents. After pilot testing, We performed data screening and data normality. Later, descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and correlation) and inferential statistics (hypotheses testing through regression) were performed. Flexible work arrangements have a direct and significant influence on work-life balance. The moderating role of Ryff's six-factor model of psychological well-being is not established. This research endows valuable recommendations to the gig economy and other home-shored businesses/organizations to provide flexible work arrangements during the COVID pandemic, so that they could balance their work and life responsibilities. The policy implications are provided in detail in the respective section. This study is unique as the gig sector is less explored in the South Asian context.