Family-friendly work conditions and well-being among Malaysian women

Abstract

Background: Although participation in paid work improves women’s quality of life and well-being, the health benefits decline for women with young children. Implementing family-friendly work conditions is one strategy for improving working women’s well-being, especially those with competing unpaid work responsibilities. Objective: This study investigated the extent to which accessibility and use of 11 specific family-friendly work conditions were associated with physical health, anxiety and depression in Malaysian women with young children. Design: A cross-sectional design using a retrospective self-complete, anonymous, online survey was conducted between March and October 2021. Methods: Women with a child aged 5 years or less ( N = 190) completed an online survey measuring their exposure (availability and use) to 11 specific family-friendly work conditions, and their physical health, anxiety, and depression. The sample included women who were currently and recently working and with both formal and informal employment. Results: After accounting for potential confounders, women who used paid maternity leave have a lower likelihood of having anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: Future research is needed to extend the findings from this study by over-sampling women who are informally employed and not currently working. Policy creation and development processes, including research and decision-making, should be led by and inclusive of women. For example, research funding could be allocated to ‘lived experience’ research that privileges the co-design of research with consumers. Based on these findings, the extent to which family-friendly work conditions fulfill their intent to improve the well-being for working women requires further critique.