Determinants of work-life balance among elderly informal caregivers of low-income groups in Malaysia and Indonesia

Work-life balance is crucial for elderly informal caregivers from low-income groups, who must balance employment, caregiving responsibilities, and daily life demands. This study examines the determinants of work-life balance among elderly informal caregivers in Malaysia and Indonesia. Grounded in Work–Family Conflict Theory, it investigates the influence of individual characteristics, family support, work-related factors, and financial resources on work-life balance. Data were collected from 397 low-income elderly informal caregivers across both countries and analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The findings reveal that individual characteristics and work-related factors significantly influence work-life balance, highlighting the importance of personal attributes and workplace conditions in helping caregivers manage competing responsibilities. This study contributes to the literature by providing cross-country evidence on the determinants of work-life balance among elderly informal caregivers from low-income groups. The findings offer practical implications for policymakers, employers, and organizations in developing more inclusive workplace policies that better support caregivers and promote healthier work-life balance.