COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbates Work-Family Conflicts and Stress Among Hong Kong Police Officers

Strategic Insights -

Research by Hong Kong Polytechnic University has shed light on the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work-life balance of police officers in Hong Kong. A study conducted during the pandemic found that both work-to-family and family-to-work conflicts lead to increased occupational stress and turnover intention among officers. The study, published in the Police Quarterly, used survey data from a representative random sample of 335 police officers in Hong Kong.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated work-family conflicts and stress among police officers in Hong Kong, with 335 officers surveyed reporting increased occupational stress and turnover intention.
  • Work-to-family and family-to-work conflicts are significant predictors of work stress and turnover intention among police officers, with supervisory support playing a moderating role in mitigating turnover intention.
  • The study highlights the need for measures to mitigate work stress during public health disasters, such as providing support for officers' work-life balance and addressing conflicts between work and family responsibilities.
  • Research by Jessica C. M. Li and colleagues at Hong Kong Polytechnic University has implications for the management of police personnel and the development of policies to support the well-being of public service employees.
  • The study's findings emphasize the importance of understanding the intersections between work, family, and health in the context of the pandemic.
  • Police Quarterly, a peer-reviewed journal, is a key resource for research on policing and public safety issues.

Statistics:

  • 335 police officers were surveyed as part of the study.
  • A multiple regression analysis indicated that both work-to-family and family-to-work conflicts were significant predictors of work stress and turnover intention among police officers.
  • Supervisory support was found to be negatively associated with turnover intention and moderated the impact of work-to-family conflicts on turnover intention.
  • The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for measures to support the well-being of public service employees during public health crises.

Sources:

  • Work-family Conflicts, Stress, and Turnover Intention Among Hong Kong Police Officers Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic. Police Quarterly, 2022;25(3):281-309.
  • Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Department of Applied Social Sciences, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
  • Sage Publications, 2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
  • Police Quarterly, pqx.sagepub.com.