UVU research highlights how flexible, empathetic, and adaptive managers strengthen employee well-being, trust, and performance. Learn how family-supportive leadership builds healthier workplace cultures and drives long-term success.
The article Family Supportive Supervisor Behaviors: Employees Insights by Dr. Maureen Andrade and Wu-Ting Chenexplores the increasing challenges of maintaining work-life balance in today’s world. Centered on Family Supportive Supervisor Behaviors (FSSBs), the study investigates how employees experience managerial support through emotional encouragement, role modeling, flexibility, and creative workplace strategies. The research emphasizes the importance of cultivating a supportive and adaptable workplace culture that promotes employee well-being and meets evolving needs.
Managers play a vital role in promoting work-life balance through flexible scheduling, emotional support, modeling healthy behaviors, and employing creative strategies. These practices not only enhance employee satisfaction and reduce burnout but also strengthen organizational culture and productivity. Long-term success requires adaptive leadership, formal supportive policies, and a sustained organizational commitment to employee wellbeing.
Supportive Managerial Practices Drive Well-Being
Flexibility, emotional support, and creative strategies from managers are essential in fostering employee work-life balance, engagement, and overall well-being.
Flexible Scheduling Builds Trust and Inclusivity
Managers who offer adaptable scheduling and consider employees’ personal situations promote a culture of respect, trust, and inclusion, ultimately enhancing job satisfaction and performance.
Emotional Support Creates Psychological Safety
Empathy, active listening, and follow-up care by supervisors help employees feel valued and secure, enabling open communication and reducing stress.
Modeling Work-Life Balance Sets Healthy Norms
Managers who model healthy boundaries—such as defined work hours or taking breaks—encourage employees to do the same, normalizing well-being as a priority in workplace culture.
Creative Strategies Address Diverse Needs
Innovative approaches, like rotating remote work and team-based scheduling, show adaptability and improve morale across diverse employee demographics.
Trust-Based Relationships Enhance Motivation
Strong manager-employee relationships built on empathy, availability, and authentic communication lead to greater employee motivation, performance, and loyalty.
Personalized Support Strengthens Organizational Culture
Treating employees as whole individuals and providing tailored accommodation helps build a cohesive, human-centered workplace grounded in connection and trust.
Full Article
Andrade, M. S., & Chen, W. T. (2025). Family supportive supervisor behaviors: Employee insights. American Journal of Management, 25(2), 7–21. https://doi.org/10.33423/ajm.v25i2
