Does Learning, Development and Work Life Balance Affects Happiness: A Moderated Mediatory Model

Abstract

Keeping the workforce happy is a major issue faced by today’s employers. The big challenge is to find what job-related factors can lead to happiness, the bigger challenge is to identify the sources that lead to happiness. We proposed a theoretical framework based on the research of (Joshanloo & Jarden, 2016) which studied hedonism as a major cause of happiness when moderated by individualism. We further extended the model, including career related goals that effect hedonism. Hence, we theorized that, work life balance, career development, learning affect hedonism, which subsequently effects happiness. Moreover, individualistic societies are proven to be more hedonistic (tend to value pleasure) and are more closely linked with happiness as compared to collectivist societies. Empirical validity was established by conducting a survey using a close ended questionnaire. Data was collected from 219 respondents from different organizations of Pakistan and was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structured equation modeling to test the hypotheses testing the impact of all three career related factors to see how significantly they affect hedonism, which would ultimately have an impact on happiness. Results indicate that Individualism plays a significant positive role on happiness, as well as in directly, is it negatively complements the inverse effect of Hedonism on Happiness. Findings imply that the career related factors positively affect hedonism that would in turn bring more happiness. Most importantly, seeking pleasure is necessary to bring happiness. This study will benefit organizations working in Pakistan to identify the valuable sources of keeping their employees happy.