A new study suggests that employees who proactively reorganise life at home may become more adaptable and innovative at work. The research argues that small, deliberate changes in family routines can build confidence that carries into professional settings.
The study, published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, was led by the University of Bath School of Management. Researchers followed 147 full-time, dual-income heterosexual couples with children in the United States over six weeks.
According to the authors, taking initiative at home can create momentum that helps people respond better to change on the job. They link this effect to resilience and a greater willingness to experiment with new approaches at work.
What strategic renewal looks like
The researchers describe these purposeful household adjustments as strategic renewal. Examples include changing childcare schedules, redistributing domestic responsibilities, or putting clearer systems in place to coordinate busy weeks.
Some families used shared calendars, rotated school pick-ups, or held regular household check-ins to revisit chores and priorities. Others redesigned living spaces to support remote work, created quiet zones, or set tech-free time to improve connection.
Why employers may want to notice
Professor Yasin Rofcanin of the University of Bath said that when people make deliberate changes at home, they often feel more capable and in control. He added that this sense of control can translate into greater creativity and adaptability at work.
The study also points to the role of family creativity, or an environment where household members collaborate and try new solutions. The authors say this can make proactive changes more likely and strengthen the positive spillover into work performance.
With hybrid and flexible work becoming more common, the researchers argue that home and work boundaries are increasingly blurred. They suggest employers can reinforce these benefits through flexible arrangements, coaching, and training that considers work-family dynamics.
Additional measures such as wellbeing programmes, counselling, and family care support could also help reduce stress and improve functioning across both domains. The team notes that earlier research indicates supportive workplace relationships can, in turn, improve home life and creativity.
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