Siti Alifah Tzahdiah; M. Ikhwan Maulana Haeruddin; Chalid Imran Musa; Anwar Anwar; Tenri Sayu Puspitaningsih Dipoatmodjo
This study aims to explore employees’ work experiences related to work-life balance and compensation in shaping employee performance at CV. Sepanjang Masa (Masa Kreatif), a social media agency located in Makassar. A qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical field design was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, passive participant observation, and documentation involving 11 informants from both management and creative teams. Data analysis followed processes of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, with trustworthiness ensured through triangulation techniques. The findings reveal that employees’ work-life balance experiences are dynamic and heterogeneous. Work flexibility provides opportunities for personal time management; however, rapid response demands and intensive content production blur the boundaries between work and personal life. A supportive, communicative, and collaborative work environment acts as a protective factor that mitigates work pressure and fosters creativity. Compensation is perceived not only as financial remuneration but also as a symbol of recognition, professional development opportunities, and organizational appreciation, although gaps remain between employee expectations and organizational capacity. Integratively, work-life balance, work environment, and compensation constitute interconnected work experiences influencing employee engagement and performance within the digital creative industry.