ABSTRACT
Much of the research into work-life balance has attempted to measure conflict between paid work and other aspects of workers’ non-work life. Kahn, Wolfe, Quinn, Snoek and Rosenthal (1964) described inter-role conflict as ‘the simultaneous occurrence of two or more sets of pressures such that compliance with one would make more difficult compliance with the other’ (p. 19). The demographic trends coupled with the intensification of work described in Chapter 1 make modern life incredibly busy. Most workers need or expect to participate in multiple life roles, e.g. those of worker, parent, carer, student, volunteer, or community participant. The notion of work-life conflict is premised upon the assumption that resources (things like time and energy) are scarce. Directing resources into one role necessarily means that they are unavailable for other roles, potentially creating inter-role conflict. We begin the chapter by considering the multiple roles in which workers participate, acknowledging that the experience of work-life conflict is not unique to workers with parental or other family responsibilities. However, given the centrality of work and family life systems in many adults’ lives we identify different types of work-family conflict and describe some of the relevant features, in both the work and family environments, that research has linked to the experience of work-family conflict. We then present an analysis of work-family conflict in the Australian construction industry, which shows the relationship between work and family to be asymmetrical; i.e. work appears to have a much more damaging impact upon family life than family life has on work. Finally, in recognition that work-family dynamics are shaped by broader cultural, social and economic systems, we consider the role of national culture and the social and economic environment on work-family life. We conclude the chapter with an argument for interventions, at government policy, industry, organisational and workplace levels, to reduce work-life conflict.
