Retail managers: stress and the work‐family relationship

Abstract

Causes and effects of occupational stress have received research attention for several decades although increasing focus has been paid to it during the 1990s as organisations and individual workers attempt to adapt to accelerating rates of change. Previous research has proposed three hypotheses to explain the work‐family relationship: spillover, compensation and independence. Drawing on qualitative research with retail managers from a variety of UK major retailers, this article attempts to uncover the relationship between work demands and home life. The results of the research found that family boundaries are more permeable than work boundaries. Although spillover behaviour was evident, there was no evidence to suggest that the retail managers adopt compensatory or independent models of behaviour. To alleviate some of the pressures experienced by the retail managers, calls for a reassessment of working practices. The introduction of more flexible working arrangements, providing quality time off from work, and a realistic assessment of the retail manager’s job are some of the recommendations provided.