Factors relating to wellbeing of foreign-born Hispanic workers

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine stressor-strain relationships that play a role in foreign-born Hispanic workers’ well-being and family-to-work facilitation (FWF) as a moderator in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a unique sample of foreign-born Hispanic workers employed in blue-labor jobs in Texas (n=163).

Findings

Consistent with the theoretical assertions, the authors found support for the negative relationship between legal status concern and Hispanic workers’ psychological and perceived physical health. Further, FWF attenuated the negative consequences of lack of English language proficiency on psychological well-being.

Research limitations/implications

Both organizations and Hispanic workers can benefit from the results of the study. Hispanic immigrants can enhance their well-being by relying more on their families and seeking more support from their friends and families when dealing with immigration-related stressors. Organizations and policymakers can improve Hispanic workers’ well-being by educating them about immigration-related issues and by offering help with mastering English language.

Originality/value

The authors studied psychological and physical well-being of a population that is generally underrepresented in the literature – foreign-born Hispanic immigrant employees. The paper also examined what employers can do to improve the work experience of these workers.

Citation

Luksyte, A., Spitzmueller, C. and Y. Rivera-Minaya, C. (2014), "Factors relating to wellbeing of foreign-born Hispanic workers", Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 29 No. 6, pp. 685-704. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-10-2012-0322