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Work–Family Interference as a Mediator Between Job Characteristics and Employee Well-Being During COVID-19 in China: A Job Demands–Resources Model

Author

Listed:
  • Nan Chen

    (Chinese Studies, Department of Global Business, Kosin University, 194 Wachi-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49104, Republic of Korea)

  • Chiungtzu Lucetta Tsai

    (Department of Leisure & Sport Management, National Taipei University, Taipei City 104380, Taiwan)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally transformed workplace dynamics worldwide. Within this context, emerging patterns in job demand and job resources necessitate a thorough examination of how these workplace changes affect work–family interference and employee well-being across diverse occupational categories. The current study investigates the differential impact of job characteristics on job satisfaction and work stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing blue-collar and white-collar occupations in China. Drawing from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) database, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from two time periods, 2015 and 2021, encompassing 10,968 and 8148 valid samples, respectively. Through bootstrapping analysis, we tested the indirect effects of job characteristics on employee well-being, mediated by work–family interference. The results reveal distinct patterns across occupational categories. Blue-collar workers demonstrated increased susceptibility to work-related stress, primarily due to the compounding effects of dual workload demands that intensified their work–family interference. Conversely, white-collar employees maintained a positive relationship between job autonomy and job satisfaction, despite the negative mediating influence of work–family interference.

Suggested Citation

  • Nan Chen & Chiungtzu Lucetta Tsai, 2025. "Work–Family Interference as a Mediator Between Job Characteristics and Employee Well-Being During COVID-19 in China: A Job Demands–Resources Model," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:90-:d:1583896
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jun Yu & Yihong Wu, 2021. "The Impact of Enforced Working from Home on Employee Job Satisfaction during COVID-19: An Event System Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-22, December.
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