This study examines how job insecurity, human capital (AI literacy, education, and English proficiency), and social capital (bonding and bridging) are associated with work-life balance (WLB) across Generations X, Y, and Z, drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory. Data were collected via an online survey of 817 Israeli employees aged 18-61 and analyzed using hierarchical regressions conducted separately for each generation. The findings show that WLB is moderate and does not differ significantly across generations, despite substantial variation in its predictors. Across all cohorts, job insecurity is negatively associated with WLB, with the strongest effect observed in Gen X. In Gen Z, human capital does not function as a resource, as education and income are negatively associated with WLB, and social capital effect is non-significant. In Gen Y, human capital variables are non-significant, whereas bonding social capital emerges as a positive predictor. In Gen X, AI literacy shows a marginal negative association with WLB, while both traditional human capital and social capital are non-significant. Taken together, the findings reveal an asymmetric pattern in which threat operates as a consistent and consequential factor across all generations, whereas resources fail to provide systematic protection. These results challenge the assumption of resource universality embedded in COR theory and suggest that in the AI era, the capacity to maintain WLB is shaped less by the accumulation of resources than by the ability to contain and navigate pervasive threat.

Authors:
Sabina Lissitsa, Ariel University, Israel

About the Presenter(s)
Prof. Sabina Lissitsa is a Full Professor and Chair of the School of Communication at Ariel University. Her research lies at the intersection of media studies, digital inequality, and social integration.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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