Work–family satisfaction and task performance: evaluating the effectiveness of work–life balance strategies and coping mechanisms of healthcare professionals

Purpose This study aims to examine the effectiveness of work–life balance strategies (WLBS) and individual coping strategies (ICS) on work-family satisfaction (WFSat) and task performance (TP) among healthcare professionals in Namibia's public health sector. Design/methodology/approach Using cross-sectional survey data from 395 healthcare professionals, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the proposed relationships. Findings The findings indicate that work–family stressors significantly undermine the effectiveness of WLBS, while exhibiting no significant relationship with ICS. In contrast, ICS demonstrate strong positive effects on both WFSat and TP. WLBS, however, show no significant association with either outcome. Originality/value This research challenges the assumptions of socio-institutional theory in a Sub-Saharan African context and offers actionable recommendations for WLB policy or program reviews in the public health sector.