TY - JOUR
T1 - Changing workplaces to reduce work-family conflict
T2 - Schedule control in a white-collar organization
AU - Kelly, Erin L.
AU - Moen, Phyllis
AU - Tranby, Eric
PY - 2011/4
Y1 - 2011/4
N2 - Work-family conflicts are common and consequential for employees, their families, and work organizations. Can workplaces be changed to reduce work-family conflict? Previous research has not been able to assess whether workplace policies or initiatives succeed in reducing work-family conflict or increasing work-family fit. Using longitudinal data collected from 608 employees of a white-collar organization before and after a workplace initiative was implemented, we investigate whether the initiative affects work-family conflict and fit, whether schedule control mediates these effects, and whether work demands, including long hours, moderate the initiative's effects on work-family outcomes. Analyses clearly demonstrate that the workplace initiative positively affects the work-family interface, primarily by increasing employees' schedule control. This study points to the importance of schedule control for our understanding of job quality and for management policies and practices.
AB - Work-family conflicts are common and consequential for employees, their families, and work organizations. Can workplaces be changed to reduce work-family conflict? Previous research has not been able to assess whether workplace policies or initiatives succeed in reducing work-family conflict or increasing work-family fit. Using longitudinal data collected from 608 employees of a white-collar organization before and after a workplace initiative was implemented, we investigate whether the initiative affects work-family conflict and fit, whether schedule control mediates these effects, and whether work demands, including long hours, moderate the initiative's effects on work-family outcomes. Analyses clearly demonstrate that the workplace initiative positively affects the work-family interface, primarily by increasing employees' schedule control. This study points to the importance of schedule control for our understanding of job quality and for management policies and practices.
KW - control
KW - flexibility
KW - longitudinal
KW - work-family conflict
KW - workplace
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=79954476169&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=79954476169&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/0003122411400056
DO - 10.1177/0003122411400056
M3 - Article
C2 - 21580799
AN - SCOPUS:79954476169
SN - 0003-1224
VL - 76
SP - 265
EP - 290
JO - American Sociological Review
JF - American Sociological Review
IS - 2
ER -