Abstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58984/smb2602220c
Introduction: The modern corporate environment in SEE countries, including Serbia, imposes high professional demands on employees, often triggering professional stress and work-family conflict. This pressure is particularly critical during the midlife transition (ages 40–64), a period already vulnerable to existential and developmental crises. Aim: This study aimed to examine the relationship between work-family role conflict, professional stress, and the sense of meaning in life among active employees in Serbia, while positioning physical recreation as a strategic human resource management (HRM) intervention. Materials & Methods: From a larger nationwide sample, a distinct sub-sample of N=204 gainfully employed middle-aged participants (40–64 years) across five statistical regions of Serbia was analyzed. Standardized instruments were utilized: the Work-Family Conflict Scale (WFC), the Role Quality and Professional Stress Index, and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). Results: Statistical analysis revealed that overall work-family role conflict displays significant age-related variance (F=2.24, p=.041), reaching its absolute developmental maximum during late midlife (ages 55–59; M=39.51). Conclusions: Integrating these findings with empirical evidence on physical activity, the paper outlines actionable corporate wellness strategies for Serbian enterprises. Implementing targeted physical recreation within companies can systematically alleviate professional stress, enhance employee retention, and mitigate midlife burnout.
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