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Original Communication

Relationship Between Time-Based Work-Life Conflict and Burnout

A Cross-Sectional Study Among Employees in Four Large Swiss Enterprises

Published Online:August 03, 2011https://doi.org/10.1024/1421-0185/a000052

Abstract

This study investigates whether and how time-based work-to-life conflict and time-based life-to-work conflict are related to burnout among Swiss employees. The sample consisted of 6,091 female and male employees of four large-scale Swiss enterprises in various economic sectors (healthcare, banking, insurance, and logistics) and occupational groups (bankers, insurance company employees, nurses, physicians, technical staff, administrative staff, baggage handlers, etc.). Participants completed an extensive questionnaire relating to specific work and general life conditions, the integration of work and private life, health, and socioeconomic factors. Employees reported greater time-based work-to-life conflict than time-based life-to-work conflict. Regression analyses indicated that time-based work-to-life conflict appeared to be strongly associated with burnout. Time-based life-to-work conflict seems to be a weaker, but equally significant predictor of burnout. The present study contributes to the research literature on work-life conflict in Switzerland and its association with burnout. Since the results suggest a strong association between time-based work-to-life conflict and burnout, intervention strategies that help to mitigate such conflict may also reduce burnout.

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