Between self-care and career-care
: the impact of well-being and managerial impression concerns on work-life balance decisions

  • Margarida Alecrim Parente Gamboa Ferro (Student)

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

In today’s modern work environments, the well-being of employees is crucial for productivity, job satisfaction, and overall organisational success. This research explores the impact of wellbeing and managerial impressions concerns on work-life balance decisions. In an experimental study, manipulating concern with well-being (high/low) and concern with manager’s impression (high/low) three dimensions were measured: compliance with working extra hours, the belief in meritocracy and the self-care intention. Through a survey conducted with 200 participants, we examine how employees choose to prioritise between their well-being and career advancement. The findings reveal that employees who prioritise well-being are less likely to engage in behaviours that compromise it, such as working excessive overtime. Conversely, those who prioritize impression management are more inclined to sacrifice their well-being for career gains. The study highlights the tension between self-care and career-care concerns, suggesting that organizations should support employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance to enhance both individual and organisational performance, without placing additional burdens on employees. Practical implications include the need for managers to create environments that do not pressure employees to choose between their well-being and career success.
Date of Award17 Oct 2024
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Universidade Católica Portuguesa
SupervisorAna Sofia Bilreiro Jacinto Braga (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Employee well-being concern
  • Work-life balance
  • Managerial impressions
  • Career advancement
  • Extra hours
  • Meritocracy belief

Designation

  • Mestrado em Gestão

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