The Role of Cultural Values in Shaping Work-Life Balance among Urban Households in Pakistan

Abstract

This study explores the role of cultural values in shaping work-life balance among urban households in Pakistan. With rapid urbanization and changing occupational structures, employees face increasing pressures to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Drawing on Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and qualitative insights, this research examines how collectivism, family obligations, gender norms, and societal expectations influence work-life balance perceptions and practices. A survey of 350 employees from diverse sectors in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, complemented by in-depth interviews, reveals that cultural values significantly affect work scheduling, household responsibilities, and leisure activities. Gender-specific norms particularly influence women’s work-life experiences. The findings suggest that organizations must consider cultural contexts in designing policies to enhance employee wellbeing.