Abstract
Orientation: It is important to investigate the determinants of well-being among working
women. Given the unique demographic diversity within the South African context, differences
in the experience of well-being among women are expected.
Purpose: The study investigated the effects of age, race, marital status and educational status
on psychological meaningfulness, life satisfaction, work–family conflict and social support of
working women.
Motivation: With the increase of women in the workplace, there is a need for knowledge and
understanding of the factors that influence the well-being of women. This study aims to
investigate demographic variables as determinants of well-being among working women.
Method: Cross-sectional surveys were used to gather data from a sample (n = 540) of women
from various South African companies. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), the
Psychological Meaningfulness Scale (PMS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Work-
Role Conflict Scale and the Job Demands Resources Scale (JDRS) were administered.
Results: Significant relationships were found between life satisfaction, work-to-family conflict
and work engagement, respectively, and marital status. Higher levels of education showed
significant relationships with life satisfaction and work-to-family conflict. Being white showed
significant positive relationships with life satisfaction, work-to-family conflict and work
engagement. With regard to social support and psychological meaningfulness, race explained
significant amounts of variance in psychological meaningfulness, as did age.
Practical, managerial and methodological implications: The findings indicate that the
experiences of well-being among women vary by age, race, marital status and educational
status. It is therefore imperative that human resource practitioners appropriately measure
these differences, accommodate them in policies through relevant supportive practices and
also champion these practices for women.