The development of a work‐life fit model: a demands and resources approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to summarize the scope, methodology and main findings of a doctoral thesis about the demand‐resource experience of workers in the Australian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed methods approach was used to explore workers’ experience of demands and resources, which incorporated Q Methodology and survey research. The research was embedded within a constructivist epistemology, and Q Methodology was used to explore the subjective experience of demands. Survey research was used to explore resources, and individual characteristics and preferences of workers. Findings – The research suggests that Australian construction workers can be classified into four broad groups according to their work, family and community demand profiles. Results indicate that the construction workforce is not a homogeneous workforce. Instead, the demands and resources associated with each of the four groups emphasises the heterogeneous nature of the construction workforce. Research limitations/implications – Extension of the work‐life fit model recognises the subjective nature of experience, and introduces a new methodology to both the work‐life and construction management domains. Practical implications – An understanding of the demands and resources of workers will better enable organizations to support effective role performance of a dynamic workforce. Originality/value – The findings of the research form the basis of a new work‐life fit model which applies a demands‐resources approach.