work-life effectiveness

The nature of work has changed, including the work and non-work responsibilities that employees juggle.  Research shows that workers with a better work-life fit have higher job satisfaction and are more productive.  Below, find our research focused specifically on work-life effectiveness.

recent projects include:
work-life issues of single adults
quality jobs: flexibility for working families
job‐family role strain among low‐wage workers

understanding work-life issues of single adults

Principal investigator:
Wendy Casper, University of Texas
Co-Principal investigator:
Jennifer Swanberg, Ph.D., University of Kentucky, Institute for Workplace Innovation (iwin)

This study explores an understudied population by examining work-life issues of single adults without dependent children. We conducted interviews with 37 adults from this demographic group, and content analyzed the data to identify common themes discussed by these individuals. Results reveal several sources of stress associated with the work-nonwork interface among this group. Findings are discussed in terms of the health and wellness consequences of subtle forms of workplace discrimination, caregiving demands, and lack of supportiveness for nonwork responsibilities.

quality jobs in the new millennium: incorporating flexible work options as a strategy to assist working families

Principal Investigator:
Jennifer Swanberg, Ph.D.
Co-Principal Investigator:
Leigh Ann Simmons, Ph.D., University of Kentucky

This study seeks to explore the model of job quality in relation to the employees’ self perceived physical health status. The article concludes that when demographic and other job quality variables are controlled, flexible work options, coworker support, and employment insecurity are major predictors of the employees’ self‐reported health status.

This project was supported by a grant from the University of Kentucky Center for Poverty Research through the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. For more information, please contact Dr. Jennifer Swanberg.

job‐family role strain among low‐wage workers

Principal investigator:
Jennifer Swanberg, Ph.D.

This exploratory study seeks to name the personal, family and job characteristics connected with low‐wage workers’ job‐family strain. Support from the employee’s supervisor was independently related to two of the three job‐family strain variables.