Career outcomes of work–family conflict: A literature review and future research agenda

Work–family conflict (WFC) represents a critical challenge for employees navigating both work and family domains, with significant implications for their career outcomes. This review synthesizes existing research on the career consequences of WFC. Using a co-word analysis and a narrative synthesis, we identify the major themes, patterns, and research gaps regarding how work-to-family conflict (WTFC) and family-to-work conflict (FTWC) affect career outcomes such as career satisfaction, occupational turnover, career psychological well-being, career decision-making, and professional development. In doing so, we also highlight key mediating mechanisms (e.g., contextual appraisal, identity, and adaptation) as well as moderators (e.g., demographic and contextual factors) in these effects. Building on the findings of the review, we propose a future research agenda aimed at advancing the theoretical and empirical understanding of WFC and its influence on career outcomes, particularly through using career-specific theories, exploring new mediating mechanisms and boundary conditions, and methodological innovations. This review aims to guide future research toward enhancing both theoretical insight and practical solutions for managing WFC to optimize career development. • We synthesized studies on career outcomes of work-family conflict (WFC). • The review revealed five broad categories of career outcomes in WFC research. • Key mediation mechanisms include contextual appraisal, identity, and adaptation. • Individual and contextual factors intervene in WFC's effects on career outcomes. • We propose a research agenda to refine and advance WFC-career research.