Mediating the effects of work-life conflict between transformational leadership and health-care workers’ job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing

AIM: To explore the mediating effects of work-life conflict between transformational leadership and job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing. BACKGROUND: The importance of work-life balance for job satisfaction and wellbeing among health-care employees is well-recognized. Evidence shows that transformational leadership style is linked to psychological wellbeing. It is possible that transformational leadership is also associated with employees' perceptions of work-life conflict, thereby influencing their job satisfaction and wellbeing. METHODS: A longitudinal design was used where staff working within Danish elderly care completed a questionnaire at baseline and 18-month follow-up (N=188). RESULTS: Regression analyses showed that transformational leadership style was directly associated with perceptions of work-life conflict, job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing. Work-life conflict mediated between transformational leadership and wellbeing, but not job satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest transformational leadership style may improve perceptions of work-life balance and employee wellbeing. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Managers should adopt transformational leadership styles to reduce work-life conflict and enhance the wellbeing of their staff.