Work Life Balance - catchword or catalyst for sustainable work?

Abstract: The origin of the formula work-life balance (WLB) can be seen in at least three social contexts: the increasing labour market participation of women, demographic changes and corporate interests in flexible labour. WLB seems to be attractive for all stakeholders, despite the resulting tensions between corporate driven flexibility and the need for individual balancing and self-organisation. It reflects changes in the sphere of paid labour on the one hand and the increasing demand for individual time arrangements to achieve quality of life on the other hand. For the purpose of this paper WLB will be connected to policies of social sustainability, especially sustainable work.;