An exploration of the adaptive strategies of working families in the Australian construction industry

Abstract

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify the adaptive strategies of couples in which at least one spouse/partner is employed in a professional role in the Australian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachMost studies of work‐family balance identify the determinants and outcomes of work‐family conflict for individual employees. However, there is a growing recognition that analyses or work hours and coping strategies require a couple‐level analysis. The reason for this is that couples lead “linked lives” in which the work circumstances and experiences of one spouse/partner inevitably impact on the other spouse/partner. Quantitative and qualitative data are combined to reveal the adaptive strategies used by workers in the Australian construction industry in juggling their work and non‐work lives.FindingsThe results reveal that standard construction industry work practices present significant challenges for dual earner couples. Adaptive strategies are highly gendered, most frequently involving wives or female domestic partners reducing their involvement in paid work.Practical implicationsThe intensification of work and demographic shifts have created a “time squeeze” for many families who juggle two paid jobs with their family goals and responsibilities. Failure to provide regular (and reasonable) hours of employment in the construction industry is likely to discourage the entry of young male and female employees, particularly those who desire a more “hands on” experience of parenting.Originality/valueThe analysis of “within‐couple” adaptive strategies builds on previous individual level analyses of work‐life balance in construction and suggests that long and inflexible work hours promote adaptive strategies based upon a gendered “breadwinner‐home‐maker” model.