How work–life conflict affects employee outcomes of Chinese only-children academics: the moderating roles of gender and family structure

Purpose China's controversial one-child policy has been blamed for creating an ageing population, a generation of employees without siblings and 4-2-1 family structure that places eldercare responsibility, primarily on women. Current understanding how this affects contemporary employees' work–life interface is lacking. This study examined the moderating roles gender in relationships between conflict (WLC), job satisfaction career aspiration university academics. Design/methodology/approach Online self-administered surveys were used to collect data, which involved 420 academic staff three Chinese research universities. Findings Our results revealed WLC positively related aspiration, relationship stronger academics with and, within only-children group, significantly women than men. also negatively satisfaction, Research limitations/implications Results limited by cross-sectional sample modest size. Nevertheless, contributes changing Practical implications findings have both universities seeking improve well-being wider society. A number support mechanisms are proposed enhance ability only children, especially women, operate as effective members labour market. Originality/value showed face unique set difficulties across domains, previously neglected literature.