Work–life balance and occupational stress among South African engineers: An examination of the mediating roles of perceived organisational support and job demands

Abstract

Orientation: Work–life balance (WLB) and occupational stress (OS) are two pressing issues in the South African engineering environment, largely driven by high job demands (JD) and scarce organisational resources, respectively.
Research purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between WLB and OS, and whether this relationship is mediated by perceived organisational support (POS) and JD among South African engineers.
Motivation for the study: Despite various studies on WLB and OS across the globe, the South African engineering industry has limited empirical evidence on the relationship between WLB and OS, and how the two constructs are mediated by job demands and POS, considering the high skill shortage and high JD in the engineering industry of South Africa.
Research approach/design and method: A quantitative approach was used for the study, considering the need for a broad scope of the subject matter. A quantitative survey approach was used, and data were collected from a sample of 143 engineers affiliated with the Engineering Council of South Africa’s professional bodies. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses.
Main findings: The study found a significant negative correlation between WLB and OS; however, this correlation was not mediated by JD or organisational support.
Practical/managerial implications: The study is relevant to the South African engineering industry and emphasises the significance of WLB in relation to OS.
Contribution/value-add: The study adds value to the existing literature by providing empirical findings on WLB and OS in the South African engineering industry, which is significant because WLB is a vital component of the industry.