WORK–LIFE BALANCE CHALLENGES, COPING MECHANISMS, AND JOB SATISFACTION AMONG MARRIED WOMEN IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i12s.2026.8351Keywords:
Work–Life Balance, Job Satisfaction, Married Women Employees, Hospitality Industry, Coping StrategiesAbstract [English]
The hospitality industry often portrays itself as being highly demanding, with long hours of work, irregular working times, and emotionally charged roles. This prospective study attempts to examine the constraints and challenges experienced by married women in a hotel environment in terms of balancing their professional and home life. Furthermore, it investigates the means employed by married women to cope with workplace pressures and family responsibilities. Key areas examined in this article include the effects of organisational factors, gender-related issues, and support systems on employees' quality of life and job satisfaction. A systematic narrative review methodology was utilised, using scholarly databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. After completing the PRISMA-based selection process, 35 peer-reviewed studies were selected for inclusion, published between 2020 and 2026. Findings indicate that married women in hospitality experience difficulties achieving their desired work-life balance and job satisfaction due to irregular shifts, an excessive workload, gender discrimination, and limited opportunities for career advancement; however, coping mechanisms, such as time management, emotional resilience, social support, and flexible workplace policies have been shown to improve overall employee welfare and sustainability. The study concludes by supporting the finding that implementing supportive workplace practices and inclusive workplace policies will improve both job satisfaction and overall well-being.
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