Does a supportive work environment moderate the relationship between work-family conflict and burnout among construction professionals?

Research findings concerning the extent to which various forms of support in the workplace moderate the stressor-strain relationship are inconsistent. The effect of perceived organizational support (POS) and support from supervisors and co-workers in the relationship between work-family conflict (WFC) and burnout was examined in a sample of 202 construction professionals and managers. The results revealed that POS has a main effect on burnout and also moderates the relationship between WFC and burnout. The effect of social support did not differ according to its source. Effects for supervisory and co-worker support were similar. However, different effects were found for different types of support. Emotional support had a main effect on burnout but not a moderating effect in the WFC-burnout relationship. Practical support had a moderating effect, but not a main effect on burnout. The importance of supportive work environments to the success of interventions designed to alleviate or prevent employee burnout is discussed.