Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Edi Patmini Setya SISWANTI Author-Name-First: Edi Patmini Setya Author-Name-Last: SISWANTI Author-Email: edipatmini@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Artha Bodhi Iswara Author-Name: Sutoyo SUTOYO Author-Name-First: Sutoyo Author-Name-Last: SUTOYO Author-Email: yoyok.manstab@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Artha Bodhi Iswara Author-Name: Koen Irianto URIPAN Author-Name-First: Koen Irianto Author-Name-Last: URIPAN Author-Email: koenirianto09@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Artha Bodhi Iswara Title: Work–Life Balance and Nurse Productivity: The Mediating Role of Positive Spillover Abstract: Purpose – Research on Work–Life Balance (WLB) in nursing often relies on narrow, Western-centric conceptualizations that overlook the complex biopsychosocial, cultural, and digital realities shaping nurses’ work experiences in emerging economies. This gap has contributed to inconsistent evidence regarding the impact of WLB on productivity. This study addresses this gap by developing and empirically validating a multidimensional WLB model tailored to the Indonesian nursing context and clarifying the mechanism by which WLB influences productivity. Aims – The primary aim is to examine how multidimensional WLB affects nurses’ work productivity. The secondary aim is to assess the mediating roles of positive and negative spillover in this relationship. Design – A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 250 registered nurses across Indonesia. Data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). WLB was modelled as a second-order construct comprising nine dimensions— role management, biological, psychological, social, spiritual, economic, gender perspective, contextual ecology, and digital technology—using a two-stage analytical approach. Findings – Measurement and structural model assessments, followed by bootstrapping, revealed that WLB significantly enhances positive spillover and reduces negative spillover. Positive spillover significantly improves productivity, whereas negative spillover does not. The direct effect of WLB on productivity is not significant, indicating that WLB influences productivity primarily through positive spillover. Limitations of the study – The cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and self-reported data may introduce bias. Future studies should employ longitudinal designs and explore additional mediators or contextual moderators. Practical implications – Healthcare organizations should prioritize interventions that foster positive spillover—such as supportive supervision, flexible scheduling, and digital literacy support—to strengthen nurses' well-being and performance. Originality – This study introduces a novel, contextually grounded multidimensional WLB framework and demonstrates its indirect effect on productivity through positive spillover. It offers fresh theoretical insight and actionable guidance for healthcare leaders seeking to enhance workforce sustainability. Classification-JEL: J24, M12 Keywords: Work–Life Balance, Positive Spillover, Negative Spillover, Nurse Productivity, Human Resource Management Journal: Journal of Human Resource Management Pages: 116-130 Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 File-URL: https://www.jhrm.eu/116-work-life-balance-and-nurse-productivity-the-mediating-role-of-positive-spillover/ File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:cub:journl:v:29:y:2026:i:1:p:116-130