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Stress in Balancing Work and Family among Working Parents in Hong Kong

Author

Listed:
  • Qiqi Chen

    (Department of Social Work, School of Sociology and Anthropology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China)

  • Mengtong Chen

    (Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong)

  • Camilla Kin Ming Lo

    (Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong)

  • Ko Ling Chan

    (Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong)

  • Patrick Ip

    (Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong)

Abstract

Work-life imbalance might lead to detrimental outcomes, including family dissatisfaction, poor performance in the workplace, and poor mental and physical health. This population-based study aims to explore the situation and trends in regard to work-life balance among working men and women in 2017, with a special focus on the stress experienced in work and personal lives. Descriptive analysis and multiphase regression are used to explore the associations of work-life imbalance with individual and family factors. Males’ satisfaction with the amount of time spent at work was most significantly related to the level of work-life stress. Both males’ and females’ satisfaction with work life, family life, and the amount of time spent at work and with family were all negatively related to the level of work-life stress. Participants who were not in marital or cohabiting status reported significantly higher levels of work-life stress. Participants who had childcare support reported higher levels of work-life stress than those who looked after their children by themselves or their partners. A similar pattern was found among participants involved in elderly care. This study provides insight into family policy that could promote balance in professional and personal life and relationships.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiqi Chen & Mengtong Chen & Camilla Kin Ming Lo & Ko Ling Chan & Patrick Ip, 2022. "Stress in Balancing Work and Family among Working Parents in Hong Kong," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-12, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:9:p:5589-:d:808510
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. A. Vasumathi, 2018. "Work life balance of women employees: a literature review," International Journal of Services and Operations Management, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 29(1), pages 100-146.
    2. Oi Siu & Francis Cheung & Steve Lui, 2015. "Linking Positive Emotions to Work Well-Being and Turnover Intention Among Hong Kong Police Officers: The Role of Psychological Capital," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 16(2), pages 367-380, April.
    3. Theocharis Kromydas, 2020. "Educational Attainment and Gender Differences in Work–Life Balance for Couples across Europe: A Contextual Perspective," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(4), pages 8-22.
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    Cited by:

    1. Camilla K. M. Lo & Mengtong Chen & Qiqi Chen & Ko Ling Chan & Patrick Ip, 2023. "Social, Community, and Cultural Factors Associated with Parental Stress in Fathers and Mothers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-14, January.

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