# Always available? A systematic review on extended work-related availability, health outcomes and work-family conflict

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how being constantly available for work affects health and work-family balance, finding that it increases stress and conflict.

## Contribution

The study systematically analyzes how work-related extended availability interacts with organizational and personal factors to influence health and work-family conflict.

## Key findings

- Higher work-related availability is linked to increased work-family conflict and worse mental health.
- Organizational factors like autonomy and workload control moderate the negative effects of extended availability.
- Boundary management styles influence how extended availability impacts health outcomes.

## Abstract

This study critically explores the link between work-related extended availability, work-family conflict, and health outcomes through a systematic literature review, incorporating various theoretical frameworks, including the Work-Life Border Theory, the Job Demands-Resources Model, and the Conservation of Resources Theory.

Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 17 studies were selected for the final analysis.

The review shows that higher levels of work-related extended availability are associated with increased work-family conflict and poorer health outcomes, notably higher stress, burnout, and reduced mental well-being. The research identifies key moderating factors such as organizational conditions (like structural autonomy and workload control) and boundary management style, which can lessen or intensify the negative impacts of work-related extended availability.

These results deepen the understanding of the complex, conditional relationship between work-related extended availability and work-family conflict, highlighting the need for nuanced, context-aware strategies that address individual differences and organizational settings. This work provides valuable theoretical insights and practical guidance for managing the challenges of work-related extended availability in modern organizations. For future studies, examining additional moderation effects is recommended, employing longitudinal designs, and broadening the research scope to include high-risk professions.