Meaningful work and work–family interaction: a scoping review

The aim of this scoping review was to map the current situation of the research on the relationship between work meaningfulness and work–family enrichment / work–family conflict. Four databases were used to identify relevant articles. Additional strategies to search for relevant studies were applied. In all, 21 article was identified, from which nine explored the relationship between work meaningfulness and work–family enrichment and 12 explored the relationship between work meaningfulness and work–family conflict. Additionally, meta-analysis was performed to summarize the relationship between work meaningfulness and work–family enrichment / work–family conflict. The meta-analysis confirmed a positive moderate relationship between work meaningfulness and positive work–family interaction and negative weak relationship between work meaningfulness and negative work–family interaction. Theoretical explanation of the relationships is provided. Results are discussed and ideas for future research are proposed.