Long, T; Xiao, Q; Xiao, R; Feng, X; Ma, C; Hai, S; Sun, S and Zong, Z (2026) From home to site: How family-work conflict influences construction workers' safety through thriving and workplace anxiety. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 152(2): 04025253, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Drawing on conservation of resources theory and the work-home resources model, this study examines the dual-path effects of family-work conflict on construction workers' safety behaviors through the mediating mechanisms of thriving at work and workplace anxiety. Specifically, we explore how family-work conflict impacts safety behaviors via these specific psychological (reduced thriving) and emotional (increased anxiety) pathways. In addition, we also hypothesize coworker safety support as a moderating factor that buffers the negative effects of family-work conflict on safety behaviors. Using a three-wave survey design, we collected data from 208 frontline Chinese construction workers. The findings revealed that family-work conflict indirectly undermines safety behaviors through its detrimental effects on thriving at work and workplace anxiety. Notably, coworker safety support mitigates these negative impacts, underscoring its role as a compensatory resource. The research advances theoretical understanding of the antecedents of safety behavior and offers actionable insights for fostering supportive safety climates and family-friendly organizational practices to enhance workplace safety in the construction sector.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | family-work conflict; safety behavior coworker safety support; thriving; workplace anxiety |
| Index terms: | construction sector, anxiety, drawing, survey, workplace safety, safety climate, construction worker, conservation, buffer, safety behaviour |
| Subjects: | financial risk, health safety and environment, occupational health, practitioner, environmental policy, industry analysis, occupational health and safety management, mental health and wellbeing, data collection methods, technical documentation |
| Topics: | Sustainability, Health and Safety, Design Practice, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Cost Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here