The Influence of Work-Life Balance on Employees' Physical and Mental Health: An Empirical Analysis of MSRTC employees

Journal of Research and Development A Multidisciplinary International Level Referred and Double Blind Peer Reviewed, Open Access ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-11(I)| November 2025 179 The Influence of Work-Life Balance on Employees’ Physical and Mental Health: An Empirical Analysis of MSRTC employees Dr. Raj Ankush Soshte1, Fernandes Antonette Jery Luiza2 1Principal & Research Guide, N.S.S. College of Commerce & Economics 94, Tardeo Road, M.P.Mills Compound, Behind A.C. Market, Tardeo, Mumbai 2Ph.D. - Research Scholar, Dr. Ambedkar College of Commerce & Economics Tilak Road Extension, Opp. B.E.S.T. Bus Depot, Wadala, Mumbai Manuscript ID: JRD -2025-171137 ISSN: 2230-9578 Volume 17 Issue 11 (I) Pp. 179-182 Nov. 2025 Submitted:15 Oct. 2025 Revised: 25 Oct. 2025 Accepted: 10 Nov. 2025 Published: 30 Nov. 2025 Abstract Work-life balance plays a vital role in reducing stress, preventing exhaustion, enhancing physical and mental health, increasing productivity and job satisfaction thereby improving overall health and well-being of individual. As long working hours results in burnout, stress, low productivity, decreased job satisfaction, poor physical and mental health, no family time, etc. it is very important to balance work and life effectively for individual well-being and organizational success. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of work-life balance on physical and mental health of employees working in Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). The study revealed that there is a significant relationship between work-life balance and employee well-being. Keywords: MSRTC, work-life balance, employees, physical and mental health Introduction: MSRTC Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation is a state-run bus service operating across Maharashtra. It was established in 1948 and has been providing affordable public transportation to people. It falls under the Ministry of Transport, Government of Maharashtra and is one of India’s largest public transport organisations. It manages thousands of buses serving urban, rural and even interstate routes. The services provided by MSRTC include ordinary, semi-luxury, and luxury buses and connect remote villages to major cities, supporting regional mobility. It has several divisions, depots and bus stations across the state. To name a few, Thane, Pune, Mumbai, and Nashik divisions are among the busiest ones. Along with the travelling, they have also been providing services like transport and courier services. Their role in tourism is spectacular through their dedicated routes. It has a good number of workforces, including drivers, conductors, mechanics and administrative staff. The main feature of these buses is wide accessibility and affordability. It is the transport system for daily commuting needs. Work-life balance Work is essential for survival, but it should not come at the cost of personal well-being, which is the essence of work-life balance (WLB). It reflects the ability to succeed at work without sacrificing personal happiness. WLB involves managing social, psychological, individual, and job-related factors to maintain satisfaction and reduce stress. According to Guest (2002), it is the availability of adequate time to meet responsibilities at both home and workplace. Increasing work hours and pressure often force individuals to focus only on work, neglecting health and family, making WLB crucial. Achieving balance is a shared responsibility of both employers and employees. Happy employees with supportive families tend to be more motivated and productive, benefiting organisational growth. Quick Response Code: Website: https://jrdrvb.org/ DOI: Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) This is an open access journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work noncommercially, as long as appropriate credit is given and the new creations ae licensed under the idential terms. Address for correspondence: Dr. Raj Ankush Soshte, Principal & Research Guide, N.S.S. College of Commerce & Economics 94, Tardeo Road, M.P.Mills Compound, Behind A.C. Market, Tardeo, Mumbai. How to cite this article: Raj Ankush Soshte, Fernandes Antonette Jery Luiza (2025). The Influence of Work-Life Balance on Employees’ Physical and Mental Health: An Empirical Analysis of MSRTC employees. Journal of Research & Development, 17(11(I)), 179-182. Original Article Journal of Research and Development A Multidisciplinary International Level Referred and Double Blind Peer Reviewed, Open Access ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-11(I)| November 2025 180 WLB is also linked to Family Friendly Work Arrangements (FFWA) and Alternative Work Arrangements (AWA), identifying causes of conflict and role demands. Research continues to expand on issues like job satisfaction, organisational commitment, gender, role conflict, and life management. Zedeck and O’Driscoll’s five models explain how work and non-work domains interact. The Segmentation model states that work and life domains are separate and independent. The Spillover model suggests experiences in one domain influence the other, positively or negatively. The Compensation, Instrumental, and Conflict models highlight how individuals balance, support, or struggle between both domains under varying demands. Literature Reviews: Bajaj & Rajarathnam (2024) examined the financial performance of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation and found that many depots incur higher operational costs than revenue, making it difficult for them to reach break-even levels. Lakshmi & Prasanth (2018) studied 180 married working women in Visakhapatnam and revealed that balancing job responsibilities and family duties is challenging, which ultimately affects their overall quality of life and well-being. Mahesha V. (2014) assessed the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and suggested improvements in staff productivity, cost reduction, fuel efficiency, and revenue generation to strengthen the corporation’s performance. Namita (2014) identified common work-life balance problems faced by employees and recommended solutions such as flexible working hours, better workplace conditions, paid leave, and improved time management practices. Nuradilla Zahra et al. (2024) found that work-life balance has a strong influence on both individual well-being and organisational outcomes, affecting aspects such as mental health, job performance, and productivity. Prabakaran S. (2023) highlighted the importance of work-life balance policies across corporate, public, education, and healthcare sectors, emphasising flexible work options, health programs, communication, and childcare support. Priyanshi Yadav (2023) showed that work-family and family-work conflicts negatively affect employees’ family satisfaction, job satisfaction, and psychological health, with long working hours and rigid schedules being major contributors. Sanjay K. Singh (2014) analysed UPSRTC’s performance over 25 years and found significant productivity growth, especially in later years, although much of the benefit was passed on to customers rather than improving finances. Suresh & Vasantha (2018) reported that integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in road transport helps reduce operational costs and errors, while improving competitiveness, service quality, and customer engagement. Suryawanshi (2022) highlighted several challenges in India’s road transport development, including slow growth rates, poor-quality roads, uneven infrastructure distribution, high construction costs, and outdated bridges. Veenalatha (2019) studied teachers in Hyderabad and found that factors such as overtime, long travel distances, and frequent meetings significantly reduce their work-life balance and increase stress levels. Vijay Singh (2015) analysed job satisfaction among employees of Himachal Pradesh Road Transport and concluded that satisfied employees contribute to higher productivity, recommending timely payments, training, rest periods, and merit-based promotions. Statement of the Problem Although there is a need for attention to employees' well-being, many MSRTC employees still have challenges in maintaining their good work-life balance due to job-related expectations. This is misbalancing their physical and mental health and affecting their overall productivity and job satisfaction. This study is an attempt to understand the relationship between work-life balance and employees' health as an essential part. This study seeks to investigate the extent to which work-life balance influences the physical and mental health of MSRTC employees. Objectives of the Study: 1. To assess the effect of work-life balance on employees’ physical health. 2. To determine the impact of work-life balance on employees’ mental health. Hypotheses OF THE STUDY: Null Hypothesis (H₀₁): Work-life balance has no significant impact on employees’ physical health. Null Hypothesis (H₀₂): Work-life balance has no significant impact on employees’ mental health. Significance of the Study: This study provides valuable insights into how work-life balance influences the physical and mental health of the MSRTC employees in the Thane district who are subjected to demanding work conditions. The study findings would be useful for the MSRTC management and develop policies and intervene in matters for enhancing employee well-being and productivity. It would also contribute to literature reviews by offering empirical evidence and would help in bringing new dimensions to WLB for sustainable organisational performance. Methodology of the Study The study employed a quantitative, descriptive, and research design to examine the influence of work-life balance on the physical and mental health of MSRTC employees. A simple random sample of 100 employees from the MSRTC Thane Division depots was selected to ensure equal representation. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising demographic details, a work-life balance scale, and physical and mental health indicators. Journal of Research and Development A Multidisciplinary International Level Referred and Double Blind Peer Reviewed, Open Access ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-11(I)| November 2025 181 The questionnaires were personally administered, with confidentiality assured, and collected immediately to ensure a high response rate. The data were coded and analysed using statistical software and applied inferential tests. Data Analysis: Hypothesis 1: Impact of Work-Life Balance on Physical Health To investigate the impact of work-life balance on physical health, a simple linear regression analysis was conducted. The predictor variable was Work-Life Balance Score, and the outcome variable was Physical Health Score. Table 01Linear Regression Analysis – Effect of Work-Life Balance on Physical Health Model B (Unstandardized) SE B β (Standardised) t Sig. (pvalue) R² Constant 6.108 0.451 — 13.552 0 Work-Life Balance Score -0.87 0.157 -0.488 -5.537 0 0.238 Model Summary:  R = 0.488  R² = 0.238  Adjusted R² = 0.230  F (1, 98) = 30.653, p < .001 The regression model was statistically significant, F (1, 98) = 30.653, p < .001, indicating that work-life balance significantly predicts physical health. The R² value of 0.238 suggests that 23.8% of the variance in employees' physical health can be explained by their work-life balance. Result: The regression analysis showed a statistically significant relationship (p < .001), indicating that variations in work-life balance are strongly associated with changes in physical health outcomes. Inference: Since the p-value is far below the 0.05 threshold, the null hypothesis is rejected. This implies that employees experiencing better work-life balance tend to report better physical health, while poor balance is linked to increased fatigue, stress, and physical strain. Therefore, work-life balance is an important predictor of physical health among MSRTC employees. Hypothesis 2: Impact of Work-Life Balance on Mental Health To examine the influence of work-life balance on mental health, a simple linear regression was conducted with Work-Life Balance Score as the predictor and Mental Health Score as the outcome. Table: 02Linear Regression Analysis – Effect of Work-Life Balance on Mental Health Model B (Unstandardized) SE B β (Standardised) t Sig. (pvalue) R² Constant 7.244 0.506 — 14.314 0 Work-Life Balance Score -1.187 0.176 -0.562 -6.728 0 0.316 Model Summary:  R = 0.562  R² = 0.316  Adjusted R² = 0.309  F (1, 98) = 45.263, p < .001 The model was statistically significant, F(1, 98) = 45.263, p < .001, indicating that work-life balance significantly predicts mental health. The R² value of 0.316 implies that approximately 31.6% of the variance in employees' mental health can be explained by their work-life balance. Result: Regression findings were highly significant (p < .001), showing that work-life balance has a measurable and meaningful effect on mental health. Inference: The null hypothesis is rejected based on the statistical evidence. This means employees with better work-life balance report lower stress levels, reduced burnout, and improved emotional well-being. Conversely, poor balance contributes to mental exhaustion, anxiety, and reduced job satisfaction. Thus, work-life balance serves as a strong determinant of mental health among MSRTC employees. Journal of Research and Development A Multidisciplinary International Level Referred and Double Blind Peer Reviewed, Open Access ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-11(I)| November 2025 182 Conclusion of the Study The study examined the influence of work-life balance on the physical and mental health of MSRTC employees from the Thane Division. Based on data collected from 100 respondents through a structured questionnaire and analysed using regression techniques, the findings reveal a significant relationship between work-life balance and employee well-being. Both hypotheses showed highly significant results (p< .001), indicating that work-life balance plays a crucial role in shaping employees’ physical as well as mental health. Employees with better work-life balance tend to experience fewer physical health issues and report higher levels of psychological well-being, whereas poor balance contributes to stress, fatigue, and mental strain. Overall, the study concludes that work-life balance is a vital determinant of employee health, highlighting the need for organisational strategies and supportive policies that promote healthier work-life practices within MSRTC. References: 1. Bajaj, R., & Rajarathnam, B. (2024). A study of the financial performance of select bus depots in the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation: Cost and revenue analysis. Humanities and Social Science Studies, 13(1), 190– 197. 2. Lakshmi, N., & Sai Prasanth, V. (2018). A study on work-life balance in working women. International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Scientific Research, 1(7), 76–88. 3. Mahesha, V. (2014). An appraisal of the performance of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation – Empirical evidence. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, 10(1), c693–c703. 4. Namita. (2014). Work-life balance in India – The key driver of employee engagement. International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations, 2(1), 103–109. 5. Nuradilla Zahra, N., Sulastiana, M., & Fitriana, E. (2024). Exploring the impact of work-life balance: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Psychological Studies, 16(3), 86–94. 6. Prabakaran, S. (2023). A study on the work-life balance of employees in various sectors. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts, 11(5), i308–i314. 7. Priyanshi Yadav. (2023). A study of work-life balance: Challenges and solutions. Technix International Journal for Engineering Research, 10(2), a670–a677. 8. Singh, S. K. (2014). Comparing productivity and profitability performance: A case study of Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation. Indian Journal of Economics and Business, 13(4), 97–114. 9. Suresh, S., & Vasantha, S. (2018). Influence of ICT on road transportation. International Journal of Supply Chain Management, 7(6), 49–56. 10. Suryawanshi, M. S. (2022). Road transport in India: Present status and challenges. International Journal of Advanced and Applied Research, 9(3), 1072–1078. 11. Veena Latha, K. (2019). A study on the work-life balance of the employees in the field of education. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, 6(2), 317–325. Vijay Singh. (2015). Job satisfaction of the employees in Himachal Road Transport Corporation. International Journal of Information Research and Review, 2(7), 875–879.