Work-family integration and segmentation in the gig economy: An exploratory study on Airbnb hosts' experiences

Abstract

Currently, there are four million hosts on Airbnb worldwide (Airbnb (2021). Although the number of Airbnb hosts keeps on rising, little is known about their experiences, as most studies on accommodation sharing services have predominantly focused on guests’ perspectives. This exploratory study investigates the work-family experiences of Airbnb hosts. Following preliminary interviews, we recruited Airbnb hosts to complete an online survey in which we examined the relationships between hosts’ preference for managing their work-family responsibilities (segmentation vs integration) in relation to work-family conflict, satisfaction, and intention to stay with Airbnb, and life satisfaction. Our results—from 136 respondents—indicated that Airbnb hosts who prefer segmentation (separating work and family) experience higher work-family conflict, which was associated with lower job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and intention to stay, compared to those who prefer integration (mixing work and family). Indirect effects were also found; work-family conflict mediated the relationship between segmentation preference and the studied outcomes. Findings suggest that work-family conflict needs to be re-examined in light of the unique demands associated with the gig economy. This study breaks new ground by investigating the work-family lives of Airbnb hosts, with important consequences for individuals, families, guests, and communities.