Impact of Work–Family Conflict and Family–Work Conflict on the Quality of Work Life among Train Drivers: An Empirical Study

Abstract

The contemporary occupational landscape of railway transportation is characterized by escalating operational complexities, irregular work schedules, prolonged duty hours, and heightened safety responsibilities. These occupational exigencies often engender substantial interference between professional and familial domains, thereby affecting employees’ overall quality of work life. The present study investigates the prevalence of Work–Family Conflict (WFC), Family–Work Conflict (FWC), and Quality of Work Life (QWL) among train drivers. A quantitative research design was employed, and primary data were collected from 300 train drivers working in the South-Central Railway Zone through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple regression techniques were utilized to analyze the data. The findings reveal that train drivers experience a moderate-to-high level of Work–Family Conflict and Family–Work Conflict. Furthermore, Quality of Work Life was found to be significantly influenced by both dimensions of role conflict. Work–Family Conflict exhibited a stronger negative effect on Quality of Work Life than Family–Work Conflict. The study underscores the necessity of organizational interventions such as flexible rostering systems, psychological support mechanisms, family-friendly policies, and work-life balance initiatives to enhance occupational well-being among train drivers. The findings contribute to the literature on occupational stress, work-life balance, and employee well-being within the transportation sector.