Policing in pandemic: Is perception of workload causing work–family conflict, job dissatisfaction and job stress?

Abstract

Police employees have to work extra during uncertain situations as they are responsible to maintain law and order. Currently, this department is facing a similar situation because of COVID‐19. Therefore, this study aims at investigating how police employees' perceptions of workload imbalance their family roles and further increase their job stress and dissatisfaction. The study collected cross‐sectional data from 247 constables performing their duties during lockdown because of COVID‐19. Hypotheses were examined using structural equation modeling. The findings revealed that police constables' perception of workload cause work–family conflict, job stress and job dissatisfaction. In addition, work–family conflict mediates the associations of workload with job stress and job dissatisfaction. The study collected data from a single source, though Harman's single factor confirmed the absence of common method variance. This study extends the conservation of resource theory and has implications for the management and policymakers.