A qualitative investigation of work-family-supportive coworker behaviors

Employee experiences of work-family-supportive coworker behavior (WFSCB) were investigated in a qualitative, inductively driven study. WFSCBs involve any action that one or more coworkers can take to facilitate one or more employees' WF balance in the work unit. The results of a content analysis based on 22 semi-structured interviews revealed five categories of WFSCBs including: demonstrating an understanding of the value of non-work life, emotional support, sharing resources and knowledge, facilitating work adjustments, and proactively developing solutions. A detailed description of each category, the specific behaviors they each include, and representative quotes are provided. Six categories of WFSCB antecedents were also identified including: knowledge of the coworker situation, similarity with coworker(s), relationship with coworker(s), ability to contribute to a change or improvement, perceived benefits of providing support, and personal characteristics. The results of this inductive research provide unique, evidence-based insights not only into various possible behaviors that coworkers can engage in to help each other better manage the demands of work and family, but also why they would display them.