Key Role of Motivation: Work-Life Balance and Workload Shape Employee Performance

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FORMOSA NEWS

Employee performance within an organization is not solely determined by the volume of assigned tasks, but relies heavily on work-life balance and work motivation. A recent study conducted by Marta Suhendra and Budiman Abdulah from Muhammadiyah University of Technology Jakarta examined the core determinants of workforce productivity at PT Infokom Elektrindo. The research, carried out from May to July 2026, discovered that work motivation plays a crucial mediating role in connecting workload and work-life balance to employee performance achievements.

In a fast-paced business world, employees frequently encounter high job pressure and the challenge of balancing professional duties with personal life. Poor work-life balance can diminish work motivation and efficiency, while excessive workloads risk triggering stress if not managed properly.

To understand these dynamics, the study employed a quantitative causal approach involving the entire population of 110 employees from the General Affairs Division of PT Infokom Elektrindo as respondents through a census sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling - Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) via SmartPLS 4.0 software.

Statistical analysis results revealed several key findings:

• Workload does not have a direct, statistically significant effect on employee performance ($\beta = 0.053$, $p = 0.432$), indicating that employees are able to adapt to job demands through expertise and organizational support.
• Workload exerts a positive and significant effect on work motivation ($\beta = 0.485$, $p = 0.00$), where well-managed job challenges can serve as a positive stimulus for employee enthusiasm.
• Work motivation proved to have a positive and dominant effect on improving employee performance ($\beta = 0.693$, $p = 0.00$).
• Work-life balance has a positive and significant effect on employee performance ($\beta = 0.215$, $p = 0.004$) as well as on work motivation ($\beta = 0.316$, $p = 0.003$).
• Motivation significantly mediates the relationship between workload and performance ($\beta = 0.336$, $p = 0.001$) as well as between work-life balance and employee performance ($\beta = 0.219$, $p = 0.004$).

These findings confirm that corporate strategies should not merely focus on increasing task volume, but must prioritize psychological well-being and the enhancement of work motivation. Marta Suhendra and Budiman Abdulah from Muhammadiyah University of Technology Jakarta recommend that company management continuously strengthen work-life balance policies, provide proper appreciation, and implement fair evaluation systems to drive long-term productivity.

Author Profiles

• Marta Suhendra – Researcher and academic at Muhammadiyah University of Technology Jakarta specializing in human resource management.
• Budiman Abdulah – Researcher and academic at Muhammadiyah University of Technology Jakarta focusing on organizational studies and human resources.

Research Source:

• Article: "The Influence of Work-Life Balance and Workload on Employee Performance with Motivation as an Intervening Variable at PT Infokom Elektrindo"
• Journal: International Journal of Management Analytics (IJMA), Vol. 4, No. 3, July 2026
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijma.v4i3.37