Work interference with dinnertime as a mediator and moderator between work hours and work and family outcomes

Abstract

Using a sample of U.S. IBM employees who are parents (N = 1,580), the authors evaluated whether work interference with dinnertime mediates and moderates the relationship between work hours and work, personal, and family outcomes. The negative relationships between work hours and success in personal life, relationships with spouse/partner and children, and the perception of an emotionally healthy workplace were mediated by work interference with dinnertime. The positive relationship between work hours and work—family conflict was partially mediated. Testing for interactions revealed evidence of the moderating effect of dinnertime and gender. These findings provide strong support for the potential role of dinnertime in reducing the negative work, personal, and family outcomes associated with long work hours and conflict in the work—family interface. © 2008 American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.