Examining the moderating roles of job demands and resources on the relation between work engagement and work–family conflict

Abstract

Recently, studies have shown that work engagement is associated with high level of work–family conflict. However, little is known about the factors that can moderate this relationship. Using job demands–resources model as a theoretical framework, this study examined the moderating roles of job demands and resources in the relation between work engagement and work–family conflict among a sample of 156 working mothers in Nigeria. Their ages ranged between 24 and 39 years ( M = 34.09; SD = 7.49). Data were analyzed using moderated hierarchal regression analysis. Results showed that work engagement was positively related to work–family conflict. Job demands and resources significantly moderated the relationship between work engagement and work–family conflict, such that highly work engaged working mothers who experience high job demands with high job resources reported low work–family conflict. The findings suggest that organizations can reduce the negative effect of work engagement on work–family conflict among their employees by reducing or optimizing job demands and providing adequate job resources.