Eco-Friendly Hotel Practices and Their Impact on Employee Well-being and Work-Life Balance

Abstract

The hospitality industry has witnessed a rapid increase in the adoption of eco-friendly practices in response to environmental degradation, climate change concerns, regulatory pressure, and growing stakeholder expectations. While previous research has extensively examined the environmental and financial outcomes of sustainability initiatives in hotels, relatively limited attention has been paid to their social consequences, particularly their impact on employees. Hotel employees play a critical role in the successful implementation of eco-friendly practices, yet they often operate under challenging working conditions characterized by long working hours, shift-based schedules, emotional labor, and high job demands. This study explores the relationship between eco-friendly hotel practices and employee well-being and work–life balance. Drawing on Job Demands–Resources theory and Social Identity Theory, the paper conceptualizes eco-friendly practices as organizational resources that can enhance psychological well-being, job satisfaction, and work–life balance through organizational pride and perceived organizational support. The paper provides a comprehensive review of existing literature, identifies key research gaps, proposes research objectives and hypotheses, and outlines a detailed methodological framework. The discussion highlights important managerial implications and offers directions for future research, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to sustainability that integrates environmental responsibility with employee welfare and long-term organizational performance.