Factors Affecting Work–Life Balance of Healthcare Workers During COVID-19: Multi-group Analysis of Private–Public Hospitals Using the Moderation–Mediation Model

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs) is important as it directly affects the quality of healthcare services and a nation’s ability to navigate through crises. This study, analysing data collected from 799 healthcare professionals through structural equation modelling and multi-group analysis, identifies five key factors influencing HCWs’ work–life balance (WLB), namely, psychological stress, socio-economic impact, interpersonal relationships, government intervention and fear of exposure to Covid. Key findings reveal that HCWs in private hospitals experience lower stress levels and better WLB. Female and medically trained HCWs report higher stress levels. Those who contracted Covid faced elevated stress and strained interpersonal relations. Negative impacts on WLB are observed for fear of Covid, socio-economic impact, government intervention and psychological stress, with positive influence from interpersonal relationships. Recommendations include fostering positive relationships, stabilising employment, providing socio-economic support in public hospitals, implementing stress-coping training programmes in collaboration with governments, and offering insights for enhancing HCWs’ well-being during healthcare crises.