A balancing act: exploring the effect of work–family conflict on women’s well-being in the workplace

Abstract

Purpose This study seeks to address the existing knowledge gap by investigating the dual impact of work−life balance (WLB) on women’s well-being in the workplace within Egyptian society. In addition, this study aims to elucidate the mechanisms through which WLB influences employee well-being by examining its effects across the three dimensions of well-being. Design/methodology/approach This study used a mixed method, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, to examine the relationship between WLB and women’s well-being. The sample consisted of 100 university-educated married women employed in various industries in Egypt including engineering, medicine, academia, civil aviation, manufacturing and banking. Findings Human resource experts and leaders recognized the significant impact of family obligations on women’s well-being in the workplace. This study aligns with the theoretical perspective that women in the specific sectors studied face numerous challenges in their work environments due to the interplay between WLB and familial responsibilities. Research limitations/implications This study had several limitations that should be acknowledged. First, the trigger events considered were limited to those documented in existing literature and participant responses, potentially overlooking other significant triggers. Second, the participants were predominantly from a specific geographic region, namely, Cairo, Egypt which may limit the generalizability of the study’s findings. In addition, relying on the participants’ memory to report trigger events introduces the possibility of inaccurate recall or memory bias. Furthermore, the instrument used to assess trigger events did not capture participant demographics or psychographics, which could have influenced reported trigger events. Originality/value This study addresses the need to examine the impact of work−family conflict on women’s well-being in the workplace. Drawing on theories and perspectives from successful women, this study aimed to construct and validate a framework that captures the balance between family conflict and well-being within the professional environment. The results are presented to participants in their respective firms and organizations.