Family-friendly human resource management and career sustainability: The role of reproductive well-being among female employees in China

Feifei Li, Xu Zhang, Sujuan Geng

Abstract

Although family-friendly human resource management practices are well-recognized for enhancing employee well-being and fostering sustainable careers, there is limited research on their direct connection to reproductive well-being and career sustainability, especially among women in China. This study aims to fill this research gap by exploring how such practices influence the reproductive well-being and long-term career prospects of women working across different sectors in China. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on validated scales from previous studies. A total of 342 responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling. The results reveal that family-friendly HRM practices significantly improve reproductive well-being and positively influence career sustainability. Furthermore, reproductive well-being was found to contribute to long-term career stability among female employees. The findings suggest that organizations implementing supportive HR policies such as flexible working arrangements and parental support programs can enhance employee well-being and promote sustainable career development. The study provides practical implications for organizations seeking to develop inclusive and supportive workplace environments that facilitate both employee well-being and organizational sustainability.

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