Examining the Mediating Role of Work–Life Balance in the Relationship Between Work Stress and Positivity in the Turkish Construction Industry
Mehmet Ali Canbolat, Abdurrahman Gümrah, Felizia Arni Rudiawarni, Tuğba KayıkcıoğluAbstract
Research background
Construction sector employees live in difficult conditions and usually on construction sites. In this process, especially situations such as carelessness cause occupational accidents. In this respect, the research focuses on the work-life balance in the construction sector.
Purpose
The study aimed to determine the mediating role of the work-life balance in the relationship between work stress and positivity.
Research methodology
The research, which tested the mediating effect of the work-life balance (WLB) on the effects of job stress (JS) on positivity (PO) perceived by construction workers in Turkey, was conducted with 389 participants. The research has a quantitative design, and the data were obtained through a survey method. After reliability, frequency, and correlation analyses, the data were subjected to regression analysis using the Process Macro Model 4 developed by Hayes, and the proposed hypotheses were tested.
Results
According to the analysis findings, it was determined that JS affects WLB and WLB affects PO positively and significantly. The total effect of JS on PO was not significant. However, when WLB was included in the model, the direct effect of JS on PO became significant, and the indirect effect through WLB was also significant. Finally, it was determined that the indirect effect of JS on PO was significant, thus WLB mediated the relationship between JS and PO. The fully standardized effect size of the detected mediation effect is close to the “high” value. Accordingly, it can be concluded that WLB has a significant impact on construction workers’ tendency towards PO by reducing JS.
Novelty
Since the proposed research model has not previously been examined in the construction industry, this study addresses an important gap in the literature. By investigating the mediating role of work–life balance in the relationship between job stress and positivity among construction workers, the study provides novel evidence and contributes to a better understanding of employee well-being in this sector.