Perceptions of work-family conflict among married female professionals in Hong Kong

Married female professionals with children (n = 50) were interviewed to examine their experience of work-family conflict and the human resources policies they would like to see implemented at their workplace to assist them to balance their home and job demands. The results revealed that the traditional nature of the Hong Kong family, compounded by long working hours, had led to an exhausting lifestyle for almost all the female married professionals. When asked about the HR practices that might be appropriate to help alleviate work-family conflict, the overwhelming preference was ''flexible hours" (n = 30). Given these findings, it is suggested that changes in work patterns towards a flexible schedule would be beneficial for both employers and employees.