Journal of African Development

Background: In the modern healthcare sector, nurses often face immense work pressures and unpredictable schedules that disrupt their work-life balance, leading to emotional fatigue, low commitment, and high attrition. Given their critical role in patient care, retaining nurses is essential. This study investigates how work-life balance influences nurses’ retention with an emphasis on the mediating role of affective commitment. Methodology: The study employs a cross-sectional and quantitative approach. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires from nurses in healthcare institutions across J&K, India. Out of the 261 questionnaires that were distributed, 211 valid responses were received and subsequently used for analysis. The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in two steps. In step 1, the reliability and validity of the constructs were evaluated, and in step 2, the hypothesized relationships among the variables – work life balance, affective commitment, and employee retention – were assessed. Results: Findings reveal that work-life balance positively and significantly impacts affective commitment as well as employee retention. Moreover, affective commitment significantly impacts employee retention, besides mediating the connection between work-life balance and employee retention. The results underscore the significance of emotional attachment in fostering retention. Conclusion: Work-life balance enhances nurse retention both directly and indirectly via affective commitment. To foster affective commitment and prevent nurse attrition, healthcare administrators must design policies that promote work-life balance. This study adds to the existing literature by confirming the mediating function of affective commitment in the work-life balance and employee retention connection within the healthcare context..