Job demands and work-family conflict: The moderating role of recovery experiences

Purpose Work-family conflict (WFC) can have important consequences for individuals’ well-being. In response to calls for research on the link between WFC and recovery (Sanz-Vergel et al., 2010), and extending the job demands-resources model (Bakker & Demerouti, 2007; Kinnunen et al., 2011), the present study aims at understanding whether recovery experiences can moderate the positive relationship between job demands and WFC. Design/Methodology The present study involved 617 Italian workers. The self-report questionnaire measured workload, emotional demands, WFC, recovery experiences (psychological detachment, relaxation, mastery and control). Data analysis was conducted using PASW18 for descriptive analysis, correlations, and hierarchical regressions. Results Results revealed a strong positive relationship of workload with WFC and a weaker positive relationship of emotional demands with WFC. Moreover, all the four recovery experiences showed a negative relationship with WFC. Regarding the hypothesized interaction effects, the relationship between workload and WFC was particularly strong under condition of low (vs. high) psychological detachment, low relaxation, and low control (explained variance was 31%, 32%, and 32%, respectively). Regarding the relationship between emotional demands and WFC, none of the moderating effects was significant. Limitations The cross-sectional design and self-reports can be considered as limitations. Future longitudinal or quantitative diary research should try to replicate the findings. Research/Practical Implications The study suggests that recovery experiences are very important to prevent the undesirable impact of workload on WFC. Thus, organizations should advocate the norm that leisure time should be used to engage in recovering experiences. Originality/Value This study, one of the first on this topic, highlights the importance of recovery activities and experiences for preventing WFC.