Work-Life Balance as a Mediator Between Work Environment and Psychological Well-Being Among University Lecturers and Administrative Staff

Abstract

Background: This study examined the direct and indirect effects of the work environment on psychological well-being (PWB), with work-life balance (WLB) as a mediating variable among lecturers and administrative staff at Universitas X, Indonesia.

Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted in June 2025 across several faculties and administrative units using validated Indonesian versions of three instruments: the 32-item Work Environment Services Scale (WESS), the 15-item Work-Life Balance Scale (WLBS), and the 18-item Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS-18). A total of 347 respondents participated, comprising 229 lecturers and 118 administrative staff. Data were analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0 and PROCESS Macro Model 4 with 5.000 bootstrap resamples.

Result: A total of 347 respondents were included in the analysis. PWB was significantly impacted directly by the work environment (β = 0.20, p < 0.001). WLB accounted for 54.4% of the total effect and significantly mediated the association between PWB and the work environment (indirect effect β = 0.24, p < 0.001). The model explained 25.3% of the variance in WLB and 39.2% of the variance in PWB, suggesting a significant role for WLB in the relationship between workplace conditions and employee well-being.

Conclusion: A supportive work environment enhances PWB directly and indirectly through WLB. Strengthening collegial relationships, equitable workload distribution, and WLB-based policies can effectively promote staff well-being in higher education, particularly in eastern Indonesia.