Developing and testing a theoretical model linking work-family conflict to employee safety.
Despite work-family conflict being recognized as a source of stress, no published research to our knowledge has considered how it negatively affects workplace safety. A theoretical model linking strain-based work-family conflict and employee safety was tested with 243 health care workers. Within this model, work-family conflict is conceptualized as a workplace hazard. As expected, strong work performance norms and high work overload were associated with higher work-family conflict; increased family-to-work conflict was associated with decreased compliance with safety rules and less willingness to participate in discretionary safety meetings. Work-to-family conflict, however, was not associated with safety. These findings underscore the importance of work redesign strategies that consider work performance norms and work-family conflict for expecting a return on investment in terms of a safer workplace.
Cullen
Jennifer C
JC
Department of Psychology, Portland State University, Portland, WA, USA. culj235@Lni.wa.gov
Hammer
Leslie B
LB
D000328:Adult; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003625:Data Collection; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D015205:Northwestern United States; D016272:Occupational Health