Explaining the effect of work–nonwork boundary management fit on satisfaction and performance at home through reduced time‐ and strain‐based work–family conflict

Abstract

AbstractThis two‐study paper examines how employees' work–nonwork boundary management fit influences their performance in and satisfaction with their family life, through the experience of time‐ and strain‐based work–family conflict. We performed two studies with working parents (N = 160 and N = 158, respectively) using a different time lag and applied structural equation modeling techniques to analyze the data. In Study 1 (time lag: 12 months), our results show that work–nonwork boundary management fit relates to family satisfaction and performance through reduced strain‐based work–family conflict. In Study 2 (time lag: 1 month), we find a mediating effect of time‐based work–family conflict in the relation between work–nonwork boundary management fit and family satisfaction and a direct effect of work–nonwork boundary management fit on family performance. work–nonwork boundary management fit seems to have a short‐term effect on family outcomes (family satisfaction in particular) through time‐based work–family conflict, whereas the mediating effect of strain‐based conflict evolves more slowly over time. Our findings show that work–nonwork boundary management fit is to be taken into account when trying to establish a harmonious work–family interface as part of creating a sustainable workforce.