Fluctuating demands and unexpected events: An action research approach to improving work-family interaction in project-based construction work

Summary

The research highlighted the impact that project programs and timelines have on the work-family interaction and wellbeing of project-based construction workers.

The evidence produced by this research prompted the construction industry to re-think cultural expectations about work hours and design jobs that reduce work-family conflict and promote work-family interaction, work-life balance and wellbeing

Team

• Helen Lingard
• Valerie Francis
• Michelle Turner

Partners

• ARC Linkage Project       
• Contexx Construction
• Baulderstone Pty Ltd
• Industrial Relations Victoria

Publications

• Report: Work-Family Balance Summary Report (PDF 240 KB)

Peer-reviewed papers/outputs

• LINGARD, H., FRANCIS, V. & TURNER, M., (2012), Work-life strategies in the Australian construction industry: Implementation issues in a dynamic project-based work environment, The International Journal of Project Management, 30, pp. 282-295.
• LINGARD, H., FRANCIS, V. & TURNER, M., (2012), Work time demands, work time control and supervisor support in the Australian construction industry: An analysis of work-family interaction, Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 19 (6). pp. 647-665.
• LINGARD, H., FRANCIS, V. & TURNER, M., (2010), Work-family enrichment in the Australian construction industry: Implications for job design, Construction Management and Economics, 28, pp. 467–480.
• LINGARD, H., FRANCIS, V. & TURNER, M., (2010), The rhythms of project life: A longitudinal analysis of work-life experiences in construction, Construction Management and Economics, 28 (10), pp. 1085-1098.
• LINGARD, H., FRANCIS, V. & TURNER, M., (2010), Work-family conflict in construction: The case for a finer grained analysis, ASCE Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 136, (11), 1196-1206.
• TURNER, M., LINGARD, H. & FRANCIS, V., (2009), Work-life balance: an exploratory study of supports and barriers in a construction project, International Journal of Managing Projects in Business. 2: pp. 94-111.
• LINGARD, H. & FRANCIS, V., (2008), An exploration of the adaptive strategies of working families in the Australian construction industry: perpetuating gender inequality?, Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 15: pp. 562-579.
• LINGARD, H. & FRANCIS, V. (2007), ‘Negative interference’ between Australian construction professionals’ work and family roles: evidence of an asymmetrical relationship, Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 14: pp. 79-93.