Designing Work, Family & Health Organizational Change Initiatives.

Area of Science:

• Work-life integration
• Organizational psychology
• Occupational health

Background:

• Work-life initiatives often lack scientific rigor, creating an evidence gap.
• Employer support for work-life balance is crucial for productivity and well-being.
• Previous efforts have not fully addressed organizational work-family conflict.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the U.S. Work Family Health Network's (WFRN) approach to developing an innovative workplace intervention.
• To reduce organizationally based work-family conflict.
• To test the intervention in healthcare and information technology sectors.

Main Methods:

• Developed the STAR intervention based on three theoretically grounded elements.
• Increased job control over work time and schedule.
• Enhanced supervisor social support and improved organizational culture and job design.

Main Results:

• The STAR intervention was designed to address work-family conflict.
• The intervention targeted key areas: job control, supervisor support, and organizational culture.
• Seven practical lessons were identified for developing work-life interventions.

Conclusions:

• The STAR intervention provides a scientifically-based model for improving work-life relationships.
• Evidence-based workplace interventions can foster a win-win for productivity and employee well-being.
• Lessons learned can guide future development of effective work-life programs.