Work-Life Balance in the Hybrid Era: A Global Bibliometric Study

Abstract

This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to map global research trends on work-life balance in the hybrid era, using data indexed in Scopus and visualized through VOSviewer. The findings indicate that work-life balance, hybrid work, and remote work constitute the core thematic anchors of the field, supported by interconnected topics such as employee well-being, job satisfaction, productivity, and flexible work arrangements. Network, density, and overlay visualizations reveal growing scholarly attention to psychosocial dimensions of hybrid work, particularly issues related to mental health, employee engagement, and decision-making in digitally mediated workplaces. Collaboration patterns show strong contributions from the United States, India, and European countries, while institutional and author networks remain fragmented, suggesting opportunities for more integrated global research. Citation analysis highlights influential studies that have redefined hybrid work practices and emphasized sustainable organizational models. Overall, the study demonstrates that hybrid work has evolved into a multidimensional research domain that requires interdisciplinary collaboration to address emerging challenges in well-being, organizational adaptation, and digital transformation. The insights provide a foundational understanding of the field and identify future research directions for developing resilient and human-centered hybrid work systems.