Utilization of Family-Friendly Policies, Parental Burnout, and Work-Family Balance Satisfaction among Employed Mothers with Children

This study examined the relationship between the utilization of family-friendly policies, parental burnout, and work-family balance satisfaction. Data were collected through an online survey of 255 married female employees with children in elementary school (up to third grade). The key findings are as follows: First, parental burnout varied significantly based on prior use and ease of accessing family-friendly policies related to childbirth and childcare support. Second, hierarchical regression analysis revealed that lower parental burnout, greater ease in utilizing childbirth and childcare support policies, and shorter daily commute times were positively associated with work-family balance satisfaction. Specifically, employees with lower parental burnout and easier access to childbirth and childcare support policies reported higher satisfaction. However, the ease of utilizing flexible working hours and welfare benefits showed no significant association with work-family balance satisfaction. Given the increasing importance of work-family balance and family-friendly policies, these findings highlight the need for further research on parental burnout and work-family balance satisfaction. This study offers valuable policy insights for enhancing support mechanisms to improve work-family balance satisfaction.