work-life balance

American  

[wurk-lahyf bal-uhns] / ˈwɜrkˈlaɪf ˌbæl əns /

Or work/life balance

noun

1. a situation in which one divides or balances one's time between work and activities outside of work.

   It's hard to achieve a reasonable work-life balance when you run your own business.

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Etymology

Origin of work-life balance

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Due to these savings and improved work-life balance, “I will only take roles that are 100% remote now,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

"We're hearing about teachers starting their careers and then finishing within a year or two. I think with recruitment we have to emphasise the importance of a work-life balance," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

That may be out of step with the modern emphasis on work-life balance that many career advisers promote.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

"We cannot maintain prosperity with a four-day week and work-life balance," he has told them.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

That is even though the jobs and industries are generally less vulnerable to artificial intelligence, the earning potential is often comparable, and the work-life balance is frequently better.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026