Family-supportive workplace policies and South Korean mothers’ perceived work-family conflict: accessibility matters

The present study examined the association of family policies on married working mothers in South Korea’s work-family conflict. The goal of the study was to compare the differential effects of policy availability and accessibility on reducing mothers’ work-family conflict. Given Korea’s work culture, which emphasises long working hours and work-oriented ethics, some employees may be unable to use family polices even if they are available at work. Using the 2007–2012 Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families (N = 941 employed mothers), the study examined six policies. Random effects modelling was used. Results revealed that availability of family polices was insignificant in reducing mothers’ work-family conflict in Korea, and mothers’ work-family conflict decreased significantly only when they were actually accessible. Mothers’ work-family conflict decreased significantly as they had access to more family policies. The present study underscores in order for family policies to have a real impact, family policies should be made more readily accessible.