The Influence of Family-Friendly Policies on Employee Engagement :A Case Study of the Hotel Industry in Hatyai District, Songkhla Province and Kathu District, Phuket Province

Abstract

This thesis aims to study about the influence of family-friendly policies (FFPs) on employee engagement. The study started by examining the current status of FFPs in large-sized hotels in Hatyai district, Songkla Province and Kathu district, Phuket Province through in-depth interviews of human resource managers. Thereafter, self- administered questionnaires were developed and distributed to full-time employees who are currently working at the operational level. Three factors of FFPs were identified in the study namely; work flexible policy, leave policy, and dependent care policy. Multiple regression analysis was performed to test the influence of FFPs on employee engagement. Results revealed that FFPs positively influence employee engagement in the hotel industry. Out of the three factors of FFPs, the strongest factor that influences employee engagement is work flexibility policy. Therefore, organizations should be aware of the importance of developing FFPs for employees in order to meet their needs and in return increase their level of engagement to the organization.