Nonwork orientations are related to higher career and life satisfaction

When planning a career, many people take nonwork orientations into account, such as family, personal interests and civic engagement. Our team has conducted a study among over 500 employees in German and found that people who strongly consider the role of the family in career planning report more satisfaction with their career and their lives in general. Surprisingly, nonwork orientations also showed no negative effects on earnings.

Read the full media release at the University of Bern Media Relations Website

Hirschi, A., Herrmann, A., Nagy, N., & Spurk, D. (2016). All in the name of work? Nonwork orientations as predictors of salary, career satisfaction, and life satisfaction. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 95–96, 45-57, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2016.07.006.

Using communication technologies for work after working hours increases work-family conflict

Cell phones, e-mails, voice mail, PDAs or pagers are related to more family conflicts when used for work after working hours. Especially employees with higher ambitions and job involvement use these communication technologies more often after working hours, according to a US study.

Journal of Management

A whole-life perspective helps to promote work-life balance - Or does it?

Giving high importance to multiple life roles (e.g., work, family, leisure) is generally related to better work-life balance. But not always! This applies most strongly for individuals who perceive themselves as highly employable, according to research by American organizational psychologists. They explain their finding arguing that if you are highly employable, you can use this resource to negotiate a better work-life balance with your employer. So, train your skills... and then use your employability to increase your well-being!

Journal of Organizational Behavior