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Work-Life Conflict in Canada in the New Millennium

Box 1

Defining Work-Life Conflict

Four forms of work-life conflict are examined in this study: role overload, work interferes with family, family interferes with work, spillover from work to family, and caregiver strain. The working definition of each of these constructs is given below.

Role Overload is having too much to do in a given amount of time. This form of work-life conflict occurs when the total demands on time and energy associated with the prescribed activities of multiple roles are too great to perform the roles adequately or comfortably.

Role Interference occurs when incompatible demands make it difficult, if not impossible, for an employee to perform all roles well. Role interference is conceptualized as having two distinct facets:

• Work Interferes with Family: This type of role interference occurs when work demands and responsibilities make it more difficult to fulfil family role responsibilities.
• Family Interferes with Work: This type of role interference occurs when family demands and responsibilities make it more difficult to fulfil work role responsibilities.

Caregiver Strain: The term 'caregiver' refers to anyone who provides assistance to someone else who needs it (i.e. disabled or elderly dependent, disabled children). Caregiver strain is a multi-dimensional construct that is defined in terms of 'burdens' or changes in the caregivers' day to day lives, which can be attributed to the need to provide care. Three forms of caregiver strain resulting from stress are considered in this study: emotional strain (i.e. depression, anxiety, emotional exhaustion), physical strain, and financial strain. It should be noted that research on caregiver strain has typically focused on strains associated with the provision of eldercare or care for a disabled dependent rather then those linked to child care