Perspectives on work–family issues in China: the voices of young urban professionals

Abstract

Young Chinese urban professionals anticipating entry into the workforce were interviewed and surveyed on their experiences with and expectations about balancing work and family issues. The objectives of our study were to assess the salience of the work–life issue for this understudied population, identify actions that the employee and the employer (manager) might take to address the issue of work–family balance, and identify contextual factors that enhance and inhibit an individual's efforts to balance work and family. Results of this study suggest that the challenge of balancing work and family is a significant issue for this generation of young Chinese professionals. Also, they likely have different experiences and expectations than has been indicated from previous studies of work–family issues in the context of China. Our study has practical relevance not only for individuals, but also for managers and organizations that want to consider potential family-friendly policies or other strategies to recruit and retain new professionals entering the Chinese workforce.