The complexities of modern life have intensified pressures on individuals, disrupting equilibrium between work and family domains. Simultaneously, extended working hours driven by institutional demands increase work-life imbalance, which leads to an increase in work–family conflict, reducing job and family satisfaction (FS) and reduced life satisfaction (LS). Drawing on multiple theories, this study proposes a conceptual model examining the relationships among Work-Family Balance (WFB), Job Satisfaction (JS), FS and LS, positioning JS and FS as mediators, among faculty members of higher education institutions in West Bengal, India. Utilising convenience sampling, data were collected from 257 respondents across 16 universities and 57 affiliated colleges through hybrid survey methods. Initially, Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted to identify the underlying factor structure. This was followed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis, in which the convergent and discriminant validity of the scale were assessed. Finally, hypothesis testing was conducted using Structural Equation Modelling in SPSS AMOS 26 software. The study revealed that WFB significantly influences both JS and FS, but not LS directly. Rather, its impact on LS is fully mediated through JS and FS. The results challenge the conventional view of the direct effect of WFB on well-being, highlighting the mediating roles of job and FS. The multi-group analysis indicated that there were no significant differences across gender and institutional affiliation, except for the relationship between WFB and JS among males and females, indicating that the strength of the positive association between WFB and JS is higher among the female faculty members. Moreover, the study discusses its theoretical and practical implications.