Career values in the crossfire: mitigating the impact of family interruptions on surface acting in coworker interactions

Purpose As work–life boundaries continue to blur, family interruptions have become an unavoidable aspect of the modern workplace. Drawing on affective events theory, this study examines how family interruptions at work – a growing challenge in today’s hyperconnected, always-on culture – elicit negative emotions that, in turn, influence surface acting in coworker interactions. Additionally, it examines how career values (authenticity, balance and challenge) moderate these relationships. Design/methodology/approach Using an experience sampling methodology, we conducted a 10-day daily diary study with 116 full-time employees (n = 892 observations), capturing real-time fluctuations in family interruptions, negative emotions and surface acting toward coworkers. Findings Family interruptions are positively associated with negative emotions, which, in turn, positively influence surface acting toward coworkers. Authenticity attenuates this indirect effect, whereas balance and challenge exacerbate it. Originality/value This study extends affective events theory by conceptualizing family interruptions as nonwork affective events and highlighting surface acting as a critical yet understudied emotional labor strategy in coworker interactions. By identifying career values as boundary conditions, we provide practical implications for organizations seeking to help employees manage work–family tensions more effectively.