Empirical Investigation of Work-Family Conflict and Teachers’ Happiness Through Employee Assistance Programs in Yunnan Middle Schools

Abstract

This study aims to (1) explore the influence of work-family conflict on middle school teachers’ happiness and (2) investigate whether the implementation of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) affects middle school teachers’ happiness. A quantitative research approach with a sample size of 242 teachers from public and private middle schools in Yunnan province, China, was used, as determined by the Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) table. The research instruments were two questionnaires: (1) The Work-Family Conflict Scale and (2) the Employee Assistance Program Scale. The results presented that (1) the influence of work-family conflict on middle school teachers’ happiness was mean=3.41 and S.D.=1.13. It was the rating of “moderate,” (2) implementation of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) had a moderating effect on middle school teachers’ happiness was at the level of mean =3.20 and S.D.=1.10. It was the rating of “moderate” that work-family conflict significantly impacts middle school teachers’ happiness, and employee assistance programs significantly moderate middle school teachers’ happiness. However, this study’s limitations arise from its focus on middle school teachers and the lack of extensive analysis of various EAP dimensions and work-family conflict aspects. Additionally, the findings may not apply to teachers in other educational stages, such as primary schools or universities. Future research could investigate the specific dimensions and implementation items of the EAP for middle school teachers, offering insights into their most pressing needs concerning work, life, and health. Such research would contribute to developing a better working environment and learning atmosphere for teachers and students.