TAF PUBLISHING

This research explores the intricate relationships among work-life balance, employee productivity, employee engagement, and family-supportive supervisor behavior within the context of service organizations in South Africa. The study seeks to inform organizational practices, policies, and leadership strategies tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities in the South African service sector by investigating how these components interconnect. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining a comprehensive literature review with qualitative data collection through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis is applied to the literature review, identifying key themes and concepts across existing research. Twelve in-depth interviews with experts in the field provide qualitative data, utilizing a semi-structured interview guide to explore real-world experiences and perspectives. This dual-method approach enables a holistic understanding of the variables under investigation, allowing for both a synthesis of existing knowledge and fresh insights from industry experts. Organizational policies and continual connectedness affect work-life balance impressions, which are subjective. Transformational leadership boosts staff productivity, demonstrating the link between leadership, well-being, and teamwork. The study acknowledges generational disparities in employee engagement preferences and how technology shapes virtual engagement techniques. In remote work, family-supportive supervisors demonstrate the necessity for adaptability. These findings provide practical and theoretical guidance to help firms design strategies that match the complexity of the South African service industry. Organizational policies, leadership development, and family-friendly workplaces promote a balanced, engaged, and productive workforce.