In today’s society, the boundaries between work and nonwork are disappearing due to constant connectivity, while employees put strong emphasis on achieving and regulating their desired work-nonwork balance. This study aims to examine how internal and external self-regulation skills interact to achieve a better work-nonwork balance as a goal, based on the Self-Regulation Model. 

The interaction of self-control, energy management, and environmental regulation on work-nonwork balance was studied using a cross-sectional design and self-administered questionnaire. In total, 143 employees, above 18 years and working more than 24 hours a week, participated in the study.

The results showed that self-control proved to be a significant predictor in achieving a better work-nonwork balance. Moreover, energy management mediated the relationship between self-control and work-nonwork balance. Against expectations, the results showed no support for the moderating effect of environmental regulation on the relationship between self-control and energy management and the relationship between self-control on work-nonwork balance via energy management. 

The study showed partial support for the Self-Regulation Model, arguing that self-regulation skills interact to achieve goals. The findings advocate the need for employees to develop and retain self-control and energy management skills to optimally achieve a better work-nonwork balance, while employers also need to create a supportive environment at work.