Work-family life conflict and mental well-being

Abstract

Background The promotion and maintenance of workers' mental health is an increasingly important issue, both for employers and society. Previous research has shown that job characteristics (i.e. demands, control and support) are significantly associated with employees' mental well-being. However, changes in work characteristics have given rise to the emergence of new job demands, leading to work-family life conflict. Aims To investigate the association between work-family life conflict and employee mental well-being. Methods A cross-sectional study with two samples: one sample comprising clothes store sales employees and the other comprising call centre operators. Logistic regression models were used to examine the effects of work-family life conflict on employee well-being. Results After controlling for job demands, job control, supervisory support and co-workers support, work- family life conflict was associated with employee mental well-being. Conclusions Work-family life conflict is an important factor to explain employee well-being and productivity and should be addressed as well as work factors.