Job Demands as Mediators between Work Engagement and Work-family Conflict

Abstract

This study advanced the understanding of the mechanism via which work engagement is related to work-family conflict by examining the mediating role of job demands (work overload and emotional demands) on the relationship between work engagement and work-family conflict among a sample of 156 working mothers drawn from Nigerian banking industry. Their ages ranged from 24 to 39 (M = 34.09, SD = 7.49). Data were collected using self-report questionnaires. Results of the mediation analysis showed that work engagement was positively related to work-family conflict (β = .28; p < .05). Work overload (β = .21; p < .05) and emotional demands (β = .37; p < .05) were positively related to work-family conflict respectively. Work overload mediated the association between work engagement and work-family conflict (β = .10; p < .05). Similarly, emotional demands mediated the relationship between work engagement and work-family conflict (β = -.11; p < .05). Therefore, it would be beneficial for organisation to optimize the job demands placed on working mothers.