Does Age Impact Work-life Balance? Perspective on Remote Work in Polish Public Institutions

Abstract

Drawing on a cross-sectional survey of 165 unit heads in Polish public institutions, this study examines whether age (as a generational cohort) shapes managers’ work-life balance under remote work in Polish public institutions. A one-way ANOVA found no cohort differences across Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y. The main finding is that balance depends less on a manager’s age and more on how remote work is organized. Practices such as clear rules for availability, support for informal connections online, and sensible workload planning appear more helpful than age-targeted programs. The study contributes evidence that good remote-work design – not generational tailoring – is key to healthier work-life boundaries. Future studies should track changes over time and compare the public and private sectors to address the limitations of this research, including small, younger-cohort representation and the cross-sectional design.