The programming committee for the 79th Annual SAM International Business Conference is pleased to announce the acceptance of the presentation, The Impacts of Family Supportive Work Environments on Employee Emotional Exhaustion by Wenjuan Guo.
We are thrilled to announce the presentation of a groundbreaking study at the upcoming SAM International Business Conference, a paper that sheds new light on the dynamics of Family Supportive Work Environments (FSWE) and their impact on employee well-being. This study, a testament to the evolving understanding of work-life balance, delves into the intricate relationship between workplace support for family roles and employee emotional health.
The concept of FSWE is foundational to the study, encapsulating a trio of critical factors: a family-supportive organizational culture, supervisors who prioritize family support, and practices that genuinely accommodate the family needs of employees. These elements are not just perks; they are vital resources that empower employees to navigate the often turbulent waters of juggling work and family responsibilities. By fostering an environment that values and supports these dual roles, organizations can play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for their workforce.
At the heart of this study is the application of the Conservation of Resource theory, which serves as a lens through which the effects of FSWE on employee emotional exhaustion are examined. The innovative dual mediator model proposed in this research posits that work-family enrichment and work-family conflict are key mechanisms through which FSWE factors influence emotional exhaustion among employees. Through meticulous analysis of data from the public-access Work, Family, and Health Study, the research offers insightful findings that illuminate the path forward for organizations aiming to support their employees effectively.
The results of this investigation are both revealing and somewhat surprising. While it was anticipated that both work-family enrichment and work-family conflict would mediate the relationship between FSWE factors and emotional exhaustion, the study found that only work-family conflict plays this role. Specifically, the presence of FSWE factors was associated with decreased levels of work-family conflict, which in turn, contributed to lower levels of employee emotional exhaustion. This finding underscores the significance of reducing work-family conflict as a means of fostering employee well-being. Interestingly, contrary to initial predictions, work-family enrichment did not mediate the relationship between FSWE factors and emotional exhaustion, suggesting that the alleviation of conflict might be more critical to reducing exhaustion than previously thought.
As we look forward to the presentation of this compelling study at the SAM International Business Conference, it’s clear that the insights garnered from this research have profound implications for both academia and practice. Organizations seeking to enhance employee well-being and retain talent in today’s competitive landscape would do well to consider the importance of fostering a family-supportive work environment. By prioritizing policies and practices that mitigate work-family conflict, businesses can not only improve the emotional health of their employees but also cultivate a more engaged, productive, and loyal workforce.
This study marks an important step forward in our understanding of the intricate relationship between work environments, family support, and employee well-being. As we continue to explore these dynamics, it is our hope that the findings will inspire organizations around the globe to reevaluate and strengthen their commitment to supporting employees in their dual roles, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and productive working world.
Join us online or in person at SAMIBC 2024 and see this great presentation and many more March 19 – March 23, 2024. For registration information visit www.samnational.org/conference.