The importance of work life balance for contemporary management and public policies

Purpose: The aim of the article is to show the importance of the developing idea of Work Life Balance for contemporary management and public policies. The article tries to develop recommendations for employers and public authorities. Design/Methodology/Approach: The analysis was based on a literature review and an analysis of the results of nationwide questionnaire surveys conducted on a group of over 10,300 working parents using the CAWI method. Findings: The article presents the directions of changes that should be made in the area of management and public policies in a changing environment, especially in times of developing remote work and increasing care for achieving harmony between professional and private life among the next generations entering the labor market. Parents are a special group who require an analysis of their needs and instruments (tools) that can meet their needs. Employees bringing up children from employers, apart from the attractive remuneration system, taking into account various types of subsidies for health care, entertainment, sports, and recreation, expect flexible working hours and remote work opportunities. From public authorities, first of all, the implementation of regulations facilitates the reconciliation of professional and private life and the development of institutional care for children. Practical Implications: The analysis of employees' expectations has shown the importance of the WLB idea for modern management, and in particular it has made it possible to present recommendations to employers, people managing organizations and public authorities. The article outlines the desired directions of changes in these areas. Originality/Value: The subject of work-life balance is of interest to many fields and scientific disciplines. There are no studies in the literature that, based on the results of the research, would present recommendations for organizations and their managers and at the same time indicate the directions of activities for public authorities.