Work-life balance of engineering professionals: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

The concept of work-life balance refers to achieving a balance between professional and family life through the management, organization and prioritization of family tasks and work routines. This study aims to review the literature on the work-life balance of engineering professionals through a bibliometric analysis, evaluating the evolution of the concept since its inception. The study was based on a bibliometric analysis of 58 articles from the Scopus database, from 2006 to June / 2020. The following bibliometric techniques were used using the VOSviewer software: citation analysis, co-occurrence of authors and keywords. In addition, an analysis of publications by year, countries, institutions and most influential journals is carried out. The results show that this study presented significant managerial and academic contributions. In the managerial factor, it contributes to the fact that intervention policies on the part of the industries are carried out with engineers, in relation to job satisfaction, health and safety, which were the main aspects identified that impact on the work-life balance of engineering professionals. It is also worth mentioning the organizational climate, identified as a factor that impacts the satisfaction and, consequently, the work-life balance of female engineers, who live in a work culture dominated by men. As an academic contribution, it provides comprehensive data from the main authors, journals, institutions and countries that have shaped the literature in this field of research. When analyzing the gradual evolution of the concept over the years, it indicates that the theme has not been exhausted and studies are still needed to continue the research.