THREE FACETS OF EMPLOYEE WELLNESS: THE POTENTIAL MODERATING INFLUENCES OF MINDFULNESS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND VACATION ON SELECT WORKER CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

Workaholism is well-known for the negative effects it has on workers, including poor individual health and an inability to separate oneself from work. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation between workaholism and work stress has been established. The potential stress-reducing effects of specific health-driven leisure activities (e.g., physical activities) have been discussed in numerous studies. As workaholics are unlikely to participate in non-work activities, several questions regarding the potential benefits of three leisure activities (i.e., mindfulness, physical activity, and vacation) were examined, as were motives for excessive participation in work-related activities. In the current study, 350 working adults were surveyed, and the results suggested vacation influenced the relationship between workaholism and work stress. While participation in leisurely vacation activities weakened this relationship, time pressure further strengthened it. Additionally, overall leisure participation partially mediated the relationship between workaholism and work stress. Relationships between three worker characteristics (i.e., workaholism, work stress, and work engagement), the three leisure activities, and various demographics were also considered. Implications for organizations, study limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.