Psychosocial Determinants of Work-to-Family Conflict among Knowledge Workers with Boundaryless Work

The aims of the present study were to investigate (1) whether antecedents of work-to-family conflict identified in previous research have similar effects among knowledge workers, whether work environmental factors, particularly relevant for boundaryless work and not explored previously, affect work-to-family conflict in this group, and (2) whether the workplace culture (family friendliness and demands on availability) has a main effect on work-to-family conflict and moderates the effects of the work environmental factors. A sample of 396 Danish knowledge workers selected from a national, representative cohort study was followed up after 12 months. Data were analysed with a multiple GLM procedure with and without adjustment for baseline values. The results identified adjustment behavior toward deadlines as an important precursor for the development of conflicts. Further, a family-friendly workplace culture protected against conflicts and moderated the effect of influence at work. Well-known antecedents, such as quantitative demands and number of work hours, were further confirmed as relevant also in this specific context. It is concluded that a workload of a suitable size, sustainable behavior related to deadlines, and a family-friendly workplace culture could potentially improve the likelihood that employees feel confident that they perform successfully both at work and at home.