Non-Linear Relationship between Work Engagement and Work-Family Conflict: Duality of Work Engagement in Work-Family Conflict

With the rise in dual-income households and the changing value of work, the issue of work-family balance or conflict has been recognized as an important academic topic. The cause of work-family conflict is often perceived as an excessive amount of time and effort invested in work. However, studies on work engagement that reflect the dedication to a job and work-family conflict in the workplace have shown mixed results. This study tested the non-linear (U shape) relationship between work engagement and work-family conflict to integrate these mixed findings and identify differences in the impact of work engagement on work-family conflict based on the level of work engagement. For this, we conducted a survey of 388 employees and found that the relationship between work engagement and work-family conflict was best explained by a U-shaped relationship. In other words, moderate levels of work engagement were associated with lower work-family conflict, but higher levels of work engagement were associated with higher work-family conflict. Finally, we discussed the theoretical and practical implications of these results.