Pregnancy-related discrimination and expectant workers' psychological well-being and work engagement: understanding the moderating role of job resources

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, the authors apply the Job Demand-Resource Model to investigate the association between pregnancy-related discrimination (conceptualised as a job demand) and expectant workers' psychological well-being and work engagement, and the moderating role of workplace support (co-worker and supervisor social support and perceived organisational family support (POFS); conceptualised as job resources).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper conducted a cross-sectional online survey of vocationally active British workers in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy using purposive sampling techniques. Participants were recruited through online forums and social media platforms. A sample of 186 was used to conduct multiple regression and moderation analysis (SPSS v28 and STATA v17).

Findings

The authors observed that higher levels of pregnancy-related discrimination were associated with poorer psychological well-being and work engagement among surveyed expectant workers. Perceived co-worker social support moderated both these relationships for psychological well-being (demonstrating a buffering effect) and work engagement (an antagonist effect). POFS and supervisor support did not moderate this association.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the importance of pregnancy-related discrimination at work as a work stressor, necessitating its reduction as part of organisations' strategies to manage and prevent work-related stress above and beyond their legal requirements to do so under national-level equality legislation. It also sheds light on the potential value of resource-based interventions.

Originality/value

This is the first study to investigate pregnancy-related discrimination and work-related health outcomes within a British sample, and to explore the potential protective health and motivational value of job resources there within.

Citation

Hassard, J., Wang, W., Delic, L., Grudyte, I., Dale-Hewitt, V. and Thomson, L. (2023), "Pregnancy-related discrimination and expectant workers' psychological well-being and work engagement: understanding the moderating role of job resources", International Journal of Workplace Health Management, Vol. 16 No. 2/3, pp. 188-204. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWHM-01-2022-0005