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We investigate how mindfulness can help women leaders manage the work–home conflict using boundary theory. In this daily diary study, we examine daily levels of mindfulness as an antecedent to daily self-control and perceptions of work–home conflict. We propose that higher levels of daily mindfulness act as a personal resource that fosters self-control capacity, and this leads to a greater ability to manage work–home conflict.

A total of 86 women enrolled in a 30-day online mindfulness training program and completed daily surveys after each daily mindfulness training session. Data was analysed using the multilevel structural equation modelling.

Results demonstrate that higher levels of daily mindfulness predict lower levels of daily work–home interference, and this relationship is mediated by self-control. This research supports the role of mindfulness through self-control on work–home conflict for women in leadership. Given the relatively high workforce participation among women with caregiving responsibilities, identifying resources that can be cultivated in order to enable more women to stay engaged in the workforce shows promise.

This study adds to the nascent literature of gendered mental health and well-being in leadership. Notably, women leaders often play a supportive role for employees and co-workers. Our findings suggest mindfulness training can be a useful tool to increase self-control resources in times of crises to mitigate the work–home conflict.