The Role Of Emotional Intelligence In Shaping Work-Life Balance: Insights From Chennai’s Tech Industry

Abstract

This study explores the influence of emotional intelligence on work-life balance among employees in Chennai's technology sector. With the increasing demands of the IT and ITeS industries, professionals often struggle to maintain equilibrium between personal and professional responsibilities. The research investigates how the five core dimensions of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills—contribute to achieving a balanced work-life interface. A structured questionnaire was administered to 130 tech professionals in Chennai, and the data were analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that all five dimensions positively impact work-life balance, with self-regulation and empathy showing relatively stronger associations. These results underscore the importance of developing emotional intelligence through organizational strategies to enhance employee well-being and sustainable productivity in high-pressure work environments.