Mediating the effects of work-life conflict between transformational leadership and health-care workers' job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing

Aim To explore the mediating effects of worklife conflict between transformational leadership and job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing. Background The importance of worklife balance for job satisfaction and wellbeing among health-care employees is well-recognized. Evidence shows that transformational leadership style is linked to psychological wellbeing. It is possible that transformational leadership is also associated with employees perceptions of worklife conflict, thereby influencing their job satisfaction and wellbeing. Methods A longitudinal design was used where staff working within Danish elderly care completed a questionnaire at baseline and 18-month follow-up (N = 188). Results Regression analyses showed that transformational leadership style was directly associated with perceptions of worklife conflict, job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing. Worklife conflict mediated between transformational leadership and wellbeing, but not job satisfaction. Conclusion The findings suggest transformational leadership style may improve perceptions of worklife balance and employee wellbeing. Implications for nursing management Managers should adopt transformational leadership styles to reduce worklife conflict and enhance the wellbeing of their staff.