On the relationship between workload, work-family conflict, and well-being in aviation personnel

Purpose In the aviation industry, although flight crew members face unique stressors, including high workloads and work-family conflict (WFC), limited research addresses how these factors collectively impact well-being. Understanding this dynamic is critical given the safety-sensitive nature of the work. Design/methodology/approach This study examines how WFC mediates the relationship between workload and two key well-being indicators – burnout and engagement – among 180 crew members from a Southern European airline company. Findings Using a quantitative, correlational design with mediation analysis, they found that WFC fully mediates the relationship between workload and both burnout (positive mediation) and engagement (negative mediation). Originality/value These findings are relevant for human resource professionals, aviation managers and organizational psychologists aiming to enhance employee well-being and performance in high-stress, safety-critical environments. Interventions targeting workload management and work-family balance could improve both organizational outcomes and crew member health.