Does a supportive work environment moderate the relationship between work‐family conflict and burnout among construction professionals?

Abstract

Research findings concerning the extent to which various forms of support in the workplace moderate the stressor‐strain relationship are inconsistent. The effect of perceived organizational support (POS) and support from supervisors and co‐workers in the relationship between work‐family conflict (WFC) and burnout was examined in a sample of 202 construction professionals and managers. The results revealed that POS has a main effect on burnout and also moderates the relationship between WFC and burnout. The effect of social support did not differ according to its source. Effects for supervisory and co‐worker support were similar. However, different effects were found for different types of support. Emotional support had a main effect on burnout but not a moderating effect in the WFC‐burnout relationship. Practical support had a moderating effect, but not a main effect on burnout. The importance of supportive work environments to the success of interventions designed to alleviate or prevent employee burnout is discussed.