How and when does family incivility steer employees towards work delays: implications for HR

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the negative spillover effects of family incivility on employees’ ability to meet their work-related deadlines. Furthermore, we examine emotional exhaustion as a mediator and emotional intelligence as a moderator in this process.Design/methodology/approachWe test our predictions through a multisource, time-separated data collection involving 161 employee-supervisor dyads working in various hospitality sector organizations in Pakistan – a relatively understudied context where the hospitality industry is struggling.FindingsThe findings of our study indicate that exposure to rude family behavior hinders employees’ ability to complete work tasks on time, as mediated by their emotional exhaustion. However, this harmful process can be curtailed if employees can rely on their emotional intelligence to regulate their own emotions and those of their family members.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide pertinent insights for HR managers and organizations to help their employees deal with family issues. Moreover, organizations can benefit from introducing training programs that improve employees’ emotional intelligence and increase the likelihood that they do not default on their work deadlines.Originality/valueThis study extends the limited existing family incivility research by investigating its spillover effects on employees’ ability to meet work deadlines, a previously unexplored relationship. In addition, we highlight the roles of two pertinent aspects: emotional intelligence and emotional exhaustion.