Micro-recovery readiness, work-life balance, and invisible care burden: A moderated mediation model of employee well-being

This study examined the impact of Micro-Recovery Readiness (MRR) on Work-Life Balance (WLB) and its effect on employees’ physical, psychological and social well-being. Furthermore, the article deciphers the moderated mediation framework with the mediation effect of WLB and moderation effect of Invisible Care Burden (ICB), addressing a significant gap by integrating micro-recovery processes with hidden caregiving demands within employee well-being research. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of employees (n = 562) across service sectors in Haryana, India, and analysed using SEM-AMOS. The study found that MRR significantly affects employees’ WLB, which positively impacts their well-being. WLB mediates the relationship between MRR and well-being, supporting Conservation of Resources (COR) theory’s assertion that resource gain in one domain fosters positive outcomes across life domains. ICB moderates the relationship between MRR and WLB, with employees facing higher invisible care demands benefiting more from micro-recovery strategies. The study contributes by presenting an integrated moderated mediation model connecting MRR, WLB, and ICB to multidimensional employee well-being. It advances theory by linking recovery processes with hidden caregiving demands and shows how these factors jointly shape well-being, offering meaningful insights for organizations, HRD practitioners, and policymakers seeking to strengthen employee resilience and support mechanisms.