Expressing Work–Family Tension Management in Memorable Messages with Coworkers

Abstract

This study complements existing research on responses to work–family tension by illuminating the constitutive role of communication in framing this tension at work. We used a memorable-messages format to investigate the most memorable message 892 participants shared with coworkers regarding work–family conflict. We used thematic analysis to code messages, resulting in a model of 20 themes. Themes varied in their focus on independence vs. interdependence and perceived efficacy vs. perceived inefficacy at work–family tension management. We concluded that messages coworkers craft about work–family tension could have implications for perceptions of self and others, as well as impacts on organizational communication.