ABSTRACT

Introduction: Work and life (family, home) are the two areas that the most attention, time and energy are devoted to; however, the two spheres can also be a source of a great satisfaction at the same time. These two areas impose various, sometimes conflicting, demands that people strive to equally meet, which can entail negative consequences.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the predictors of work–life balance (defined as a positive work–home interaction) among workers having dependent (child, elderly or disabled family member, etc.) care responsibilities and its relationships with selected variables. Participants and procedure: The study group comprised 606 workers (303 men and 303 women) aged 20–64 years, who had dependent care responsibilities. The selection procedure of the study sample was based on the non-probability quota sampling method, where quotas were defined by industry (construction, administration, retail, healthcare, social services, accommodation and catering), as well as by the age and gender of the study participants. Measures: The study was conducted using the PAPI technique. It was a direct interview conducted using a paperback survey book comprising a SWING questionnaire for evaluating work–home interactions, Work Ability Index, Positive Health Behaviours Scale, Satisfaction, with Life Scale and a unique questionnaire designed for the purpose of the research. Results: Positive work–home/home–work interaction is significantly associated with good health, healthy lifestyle, work ability and job and life satisfaction. Conclusion: Occupational health promotion measures at the workplace and appropriate workload management (particularly, working time management) which supports the work–life balance can help reduce fatigue resulting from the work–life conflict among workers.