The Dark Side of Work-life Policies: Examining the Impact of Co-worker Childcare Policy Usage on Work Anxiety

Work-life policies (WLPs) are tools employees may draw on to better manage and balance their work and life demands. While WLP research generally shows WLPs positively impact the individuals that use the policy, there is growing evidence to suggest that WLPs may also negatively impact other employees. Drawing from the theory of role dynamics and social role theory, we examine the indirect effect of co-worker childcare policy usage (CUCP) on work anxiety via work-role overload (WRO), as well as the impact of gender on this indirect relationship. Findings from a three-wave field study (n = 357) reveal: (1) CUCP positively relates to work anxiety via WRO for men, and (2) CUCP negatively relates to work anxiety via WRO for women. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. 

Keywords: work-life policies; work-role overload; work anxiety; gender