Recovery, well-being, and performance-related outcomes: the role of workload and vacation experiences.
On the basis of theoretical assumptions regarding resource gain and loss (S. E. Hobfoll, 1998), the authors used a longitudinal study to examine effects of vacation on well-being and performance-related outcomes. University employees (N = 221) completed measures of well-being (health complaints and burnout) and performance-related outcomes (self-reported task performance and effort expenditure) 1 week before and 2 days and 2 weeks after vacation and measures of workload 2 days after vacation. Specific vacation experiences (positive and negative work reflection, relaxation, mastery experience, and nonwork hassles) were assessed during vacation. Results showed changes in well-being and self-reported effort expenditure from before to after vacation, revealing vacation effects and partial fade-out effects. In addition, vacation experiences and workload significantly predicted some of the outcomes. The authors discuss applicability of the theoretical approach in the context of vacation and fade-out effects, implications for future research on recovery processes, and practical implications.
Fritz
Charlotte
C
Department of Psychology, Technial University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany. fritzc@bgnet.bgsu.edu
Sonnentag
Sabine
S
D000328:Adult; D002055:Burnout, Professional; D003289:Convalescence; D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal; D005260:Female; D006693:Holidays; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016526:Workload