From “work–family” to “work–life”: Broadening our conceptualization and measurement

Despite frequent reference to “work–life” issues in the organizational literature, little theoretical or empirical attention has been paid to nonwork areas beyond family. The purpose of the research described here is to move beyond work–family conflict to a broader conceptualization and measurement of work interference with life. A measure of work interference with life across eight nonwork domains and two forms of interference (strain- and time-based) was developed and tested in two studies of 1811 and 3145 university alumni from multiple organizations and diverse occupations. In Study 1 evidence for the dimensionality of this measure is presented. In Study 2 work interference with life demonstrated incremental validity above and beyond work interference with family with respect to job satisfaction, turnover intentions, life satisfaction, and mental health. The results of relative importance analyses are presented for the same outcomes. This research has implications for designing more inclusive work–life policies and practices and presents a new lens for understanding individual differences at the work–life interface.

► Two studies investigated the construct of work interference with life (WIL).
► WIL was measured with respect to eight nonwork domains.
► Study 1 (N = 1811) provided evidence for the dimensionality of the WIL measure.
► In Study 2 (N = 3145) WIL showed incremental validity beyond work–family conflict.
► A domain-based approach provides a new lens for understanding work–life phenomena.