RT journal article
T1 The impact of work-family policies on employee performance in the tourism industry
A1 Biedma Ferrer, José María
A1 Medina Garrido, José Aurelio
A1 Almeida, Helena
A1 Bogren, Maria
A2 Organización de Empresas
K1 Work-family policies
K1 work-family conflict
K1 employee performance
K1 tourism industry
K1 accessibility of policies
K1 demanding work
AB PurposeThis study explores the influence of Work-family policies (WFP) existence and accessibility on employee performance within the tourism industry, emphasizing the mediating roles of specific WFP measures and the moderating impact of demanding work.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on data collected through questionnaires administered to 224 employees in the tourism industry and analysed using a structural equation modelling approach (PLS-SEM). FindingsThe findings confirm that WFP existence positively affects performance and is negatively related to accessibility, though the mediating effects of specific WFP measures vary significantly. Flexibility in working time and location emerge as pivotal mediators, while long leaves and support services do not show significant effects. Additionally, demanding work moderates key relationships, weakening the positive effects of WFP in high-demand environments. Practical implicationsTourism organisations should enhance both WFP existence and accessibility, especially through flexible work arrangements related to working time and location. Addressing high work demands through improved workload management and organisational practices that facilitate the actual use of available policies can improve employee performance and organisational outcomes.Originality/value:The added value of this research lies in demonstrating that the impact of WFP depends on how employees perceive their accessibility and on the specific measures available, rather than on their mere existence. Crucially, it identifies that flexibility in working time and location is the primary driver of this improvement, whereas other measures, such as long-term leaves, do not show a significant impact in this specific high-pressure environment.
PB Emerald Publishing Limited
SN 1660-5373
YR 2026
FD 2026-08-13
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/40188
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/40188
LA eng
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 07-nov-2026