Bidirectional work–family enrichment mediates the relationship between family-supportive supervisor behaviors and work engagement

We applied the resource–gain–development perspective to test a theoretical model in which family-supportive supervisor behaviors (FSSB) were expected to predict work engagement through the mediator of bidirectional work–family enrichment (work–family enrichment and family–work enrichment) over time. Using a 2-wave survey conducted over a 5-month interval, we collected data from 268 full-time employees of Chinese industries. When controlling for perceived general supervisor support and perceived organizational support at Time 1, the hierarchical regression analysis results revealed that FSSB at Time 1 increased bidirectional work–family enrichment and work engagement at Time 2. In addition, bidirectional work–family enrichment was found to fully mediate the relationship between FSSB and work engagement. Theoretical contributions and managerial implications are discussed.