The association between work-family conflict and eating behavior in men and women: Can coworkers' eating behaviors and their encouragement buffer the effect?

Abstract

This study investigates how coworkers' fruit and vegetable consumption and encouragement moderate the association between work-to-family conflict (WTFC) and family-to-work conflict (FTWC) with fruit and vegetable intake among men and women. Using a sample of around 3,200 employees from the European Sustainable Workforce Survey, multilevel linear regression models were used to assess these relationships. WTFC is associated with lower fruit intake among women and vegetable consumption among men; FTWC shows no significant association. Coworkers' fruit intake exacerbates the negative influence of FTWC on fruit intake among men. In contrast, coworkers' encouragement of healthy eating alleviates the negative influence of WTFC and FTWC on women's vegetable intake, and between FTWC and men's fruit intake. Organizations should support employees in managing conflict, maintaining a healthy diet, and establishing a supportive work environment.