The role of after-hours, work-related contact in work-to-family conflict and sleep problems experienced by construction professionals

Advances in communication technology have resulted in the boundaries between work and family becoming increasingly blurred, resulting in increased after-hours, work-related contact. Little is known about the relationship between after-hours, work-related contact and the work-to-family conflict and sleep problems experienced by construction professionals. Using data gathered from a questionnaire survey of 630 architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and project and construction managers, a conceptual integrated model of work-to-family conflict and sleep problems was proposed and tested using structural equation analysis. Demographic characteristics, work experience, job autonomy and control, job pressures, and after-hours work-related contact were hypothesized to explain work-to-family conflict and sleep problems. The integrated model was found to be empirically plausible (χ2 /df ratio=1.439; p=0.119; CFI=0.994; RMSEA=0.026; and Hoelter (95%)=729). The results indicate that 1) the determinants of work contact are gender, employment status, work experience, and job pressure; 2) work-to-family conflict is predicted by job autonomy and control, job pressure, and work contact, and 3) sleep problems are a consequence of job pressure, work contact, and work-to-family conflict. Both firms and construction professionals need to improved boundary control to limit excessive work contact and/or mitigate its effects on work pressure and work-to family conflict. Intervention strategies by firms should positively address after-hours, work-related communication and employers need to monitor job pressure, and promote job autonomy and control.