An investigation of the effects of work and family characteristics on work-family balance

Abstract

Men and women in the Netherlands seem to be busier than they have ever been. The growing participation of women in the labour market has increased the pressure on the division of tasks in Dutch households. Different work and family characteristics seem to have an influence on the work-family balance (WFB) for both men and women. In this study we will investigate whether certain work and family characteristics influence one’s WFB. Hypotheses have been formulated about two work characteristics (work time control and job satisfaction) and two family characteristics (gender and the age of the youngest child). Based on data collected in 2013 (with 1294 respondents) the results show that work time control, job satisfaction and gender indeed influence one’s WFB. Only having young children did not lead to a conflict in one’s WFB.