Stress and Work Life Balance of Employees Originating from Rural Areas - A Theoretical Perspective in the Hotel Industry of India

The Indian hotel sector, an important component of the country's growing service economy, has experienced a discernible expansion of rural workers in recent years. As these workers enter formal employment, most notably in the hospitality sector, they encounter a set of issues quite different from those of their urban counterparts. This article discusses the special challenges and stress rural-origin employees face, with an emphasis on occupational stress and seeking work-life balance. Based on theoretical models like the Person-Environment Fit Theory, Role Conflict Theory, and the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model, the research explains how cultural adaptation, intense job demands, and limited support networks increase stress in this segment of workers. It also examines to what extent family obligations and traditional rural roles may reinforce the challenge of finding balance between work and personal life. The paper recommends more human resource policies and support systems inclusive of diverse groups in order to improve overall well-being and retention of rural-origin employees in India's hospitality sector.