ABSTRACT

The notion that the experience of work, or the lack of it, has a profound impact on the well-being of individuals and families is not new (Jahoda, 1982). Nonetheless, features of the most recent economic downturn set it apart from previous recessions, requiring a fresh discussion about austerity, work-life balance (WLB) and well-being. This recession was deeper and longer than any experienced since the Second World War; it saw the Gross Domestic Product (GPD) in the UK fall by over 6% and the economy is still recovering from its effects. A range of stringent austerity measures has been implemented in the UK that, at the time of writing, remain ongoing. While the impact of the economic downturn on factors such as organisational performance and consumer spending has been debated extensively (Gregg and Wadsworth, 2010), little focus has been placed on how it has affected individuals who have been asked to do more with less. The implications of austerity for the working conditions, well-being and WLB of individuals and their families are the focal points of this chapter. It focuses predominantly on the position within the UK, but draws on relevant research from other contexts and makes international comparisons where relevant data are available. The chapter considers how features of the economic downturn, such as the intensifi cation of work, increased job insecurity, fi nancial hardship and non-standard or precarious work arrangements, can threaten the well-being and WLB of employees and their families. The implications of fl exible working practices and technological change, which have increased during the fi nancial downturn, for recovery processes, WLB and health in times of austerity are also considered. Finally, the importance of line manager support for WLB is discussed.