Eileen Koekemoer

Positive Side of the Work-Family Interface: A Theoretical Review

This narrative review considers the positive side of the work-family interface. It surveyed a range of relevant literature (1960–2012) using search terms on the positive work-family interface. From the literature it is evident that various concepts (e.g., work-family enhancement, work-family positive spillover, work-family facilitation and work-family enrichment) are used to conceptualise the positive side of the work-family interface. Further research is needed to explore the positive side of the work-family interface. Findings showed that only a few studies on the positive work-family interface phenomenon have been reported from the South African population, but there is still a huge gap in the South African literature regarding the positive work-family interface.

Work-to-family enrichment: Influences of work resources, work engagement and satisfaction among employees within the South African context

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of work resources, work-to-family enrichment, engagement and job satisfaction among employees in the South African context. Data were collected from 627 participants (females=67%, Afrikaans or English speakers=81.8%). The analysis utilised multiple regression analysis to predict work resources and work-to-family enrichment dimensions from work engagement dimensions, job satisfaction and career satisfaction. In the multiple regression analyses, work-related development opportunities, work autonomy and work-family affect were significant predictors of work vigour. Furthermore, work-related development opportunities, work autonomy, work-family affect and work-family perspectives were significant predictors of work dedication, job satisfaction and career satisfaction. Results support the idea that participation in one role may enrich the quality of life in the other role and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the positive side of the work/family interface.

Work-life balance policies: the use of flexitime

This study investigated the use of flexitime as a Work-life balance (WLB) policy and understanding employee perceptions regarding the use of flexitime among South African employees. A qualitative design with an exploratory approach was used. A non-probability purposive sample (n = 15) was taken in the financial sector. Data collection was done by was means of semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. Four main themes were extracted. The first two themes related to the various ways in which participants use flexitime and the influencing factors. Participants use flexitime according to their own preference (e.g., Spillover of working hours, dividing ones working day into smaller work hours, working from different locations) and were influenced by factors such as clients needs and expectations, own workload/pressure and personal commitments/responsibilities. The third theme related to various perceptions regarding the level of position of management, visibility and also personal life and situation. The last theme indicated that the use of flexitime have consequences, which include amongst others delay in work/deadlines, reduced productivity or performance, increased workload and health consequences.

Differences in the Wellbeing of Dual-earner Parents with Young Children

ABSTRACT The general objective of this research was to investigate the wellbeing (i.e. health and work–life interference) of dual-earner parents with different sociodemographic characteristics (i.e. age and gender) and family situations (i.e. number of children and household support). A cross-sectional survey design was used in which a convenience sample of dual-earner parents (n=207) with children in nursery schools in South Africas Vaal Triangle region was taken. The sample group primarily consisted of white females between the ages of 40 and 50. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach alpha coefficients, product-moment correlations, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyse the data. The results indicate statistically significant differences in wellbeing outcomes in terms of family situation, specifically regarding physical ill health, number of children and household support. Further statistically significant differences were found in work–life interference (i.e. parent–work, spouse–work, domestic–work, religion/spiritual-work, work–parent, work–spouse, work–domestic and work–religion/spiritual interference) for dual-earner parents with different types of household support. In summary, the research provided evidence that dual-earner parents with different types of household support structures experience wellbeing and work–life interference differently. Based on the detailed findings, specific recommendations were made for future research and for dual-earner parents. Recommendations include investigating specific household support structure opportunities for dual-earner parents. This research builds on current literature related to dual-earner parents, especially within South Africa, where limited research has been done.

Home Characteristics, Nonwork-Work Role Demands Effects on the Well-Being of Dual-Earner Parents

This study investigated home demands, home resources, nonwork roles interference with-work roles and the welfare of dual-earner parents. A cross-sectional survey design was used in this research, where a convenience sample of dual-earner parents (N=207) were taken from a metropolitan district in South Africa. A booklet consisting of various questionnaires measuring home characteristics, nonwork-work interference, life satisfaction, ill-health, cognitive weariness and exhaustion were distributed to the participants. Product-moment correlations were conducted in order to establish the relationships between variables and multiple regressions were used to establish which home characteristics and nonwork-work interference dimensions predicted which health outcomes (physical health, anxiety, depression, and exhaustion). Gender and age were employed as control variables. Emotional home demands and lack of autonomy significantly predicted physical ill health. Emotional home demands and spouse-work interference significantly predicted anxiety and depression. Gender, home pressure, developmental possibilities and parent-work interference were significant predictors of exhaustion.

Exploring the Attainment of Career Success

This study examined the role of the organisation as well as the role of the employee in the attainment of career success for senior management employees. Participants were a purposive sample of 24 senior management employees from two international financial organisations in South Africa (of which 58,3% were English-speaking and 54,2% male). A qualitative research approach was followed and data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews with the participants. The verbatim transcriptions were analysed using content analysis. Findings indicate that organisations which provide challenges and opportunities advanced the careers of their employees. Employees who build good interpersonal relationships and deliver on promises are morely likely to be successful at their careers. Attaining career success is the mutual responsibility or partnership between the organisation and employees.