Beyond the badge: work-life balance, boundary-blurring and the well-being of Ghanaian police officers

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between work–life balance (WLB), boundary blurring and employee well-being among police officers in Ghana. Specifically, it examines how WLB influences psychological well-being (PW) and social well-being (SW) and explores the moderating role of boundary blurring in these relationships. Design/methodology/approach The study used a cross-sectional survey design, with data from 249 police officers at the Ghana Police Service headquarters. The instrument used was questionnaires to measure WLB, boundary-blurring (BB) and employee well-being (both psychological and social). The analytical tools used were structural equation modelling and confirmatory factor analysis, with bootstrapping techniques applied to test the significance of the relationships. Descriptive statistics, reliability and validity tests were conducted to ensure the robustness of the findings. Findings There was a significant positive relationship between WLB and both PW and SW. Boundary blurring was also found to moderate the relationship between WLB and SW negatively, but its moderating effect on the relationship between WLB and PW was insignificant. Practical implications The findings highlight the importance of implementing WLB policies that promote flexibility while managing boundary permeability. Organisations, particularly in high-stress environments, such as law enforcement, should design programs that support employees in maintaining clear boundaries between their work and personal lives. This includes establishing guidelines for off-hours communication, offering mental health resources and promoting a culture that values personal time. Such measures can enhance employee well-being, reduce burnout and improve overall organisational performance. Originality/value The study contributed to the literature by integrating border and boundary theory and facilitation theory to explore the interplay between WLB, BB and employee well-being in a high-stress occupation. The study had a culturally informed perspective on the challenges faced by Ghanaian police officers, offering actionable insights for improving well-being in similar contexts. It also showed the dual nature of boundary blurring, emphasising the need for balanced policies that facilitate work-life integration while mitigating its adverse effects.