Improving family life in Singapore : the impact of work-life balance self-efficacy on work-life conflict and family life satisfaction

Abstract

The work-life balance of Singaporeans has become a salient focus in the media and in public policy in recent years. Work-life conflict, which impacts one’s work-life balance, has critical ramifications for an individual’s quality of family life. Despite various measures being implemented to improve Singaporeans’ existing work-life balance and family life, there remains room for improvement. This exploratory study presents an interdisciplinary approach where the psychological concept of ‘work-life balance self-efficacy’ is used to analyse the relationship between work-life conflict and family life satisfaction in the light of public policy. A qualitative approach of inquiry in the form of semi-structured interviews is applied. Thematic analysis of the data reveals that Singaporeans from different familial groups experience work-life conflicts and impacts to family life distinctively. Ultimately, policy recommendations aimed at the organisational level have been proposed to help working individuals effectively attain a work-life balance and satisfaction with their family lives.