A recent study published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology highlights the significance of evening recovery in influencing one’s mood the following workday. The research indicates that high-quality recovery in the evening is associated with increased wakefulness, calmness, and overall pleasantness at the beginning of the workday.
According to the study, evening recovery after work has a positive effect on employees’ mood the next day. Higher-quality recovery results in enhanced wakefulness, calmness, and pleasantness when commencing work. However, these benefits gradually diminish throughout the day, underscoring the importance of daily recovery.
The investigation, based on diary entries from 124 employees over 887 days, reveals that the quality of recovery on a given evening after work can impact one’s mood upon returning to work the next day. Individuals who experienced higher-quality recovery in the evening reported heightened levels of wakefulness, calmness, and pleasantness at the start of their workday. Nevertheless, the levels of wakefulness and calmness tended to decline more noticeably during the workday following evenings characterized by higher-quality recovery.
These findings emphasize the significance of daily recovery for employees, but they also highlight that the benefits diminish over the course of the workday. Hence, it is crucial to engage in daily recovery practices.
“Our study demonstrates that daily recovery from work during off-job time is indeed beneficial for employees’ mood. However, it is important to note that these benefits are not sustained throughout the entire workday. Therefore, our findings underscore that the advantages of evening recovery are relatively short-lived,” stated Maike Arnold, MSc, the corresponding author from the University of Mannheim in Germany. “Additionally, we discovered that improved sleep quality following a good evening recovery explains some, but not all, of these benefits.”
Reference: “Time Matters: The Role of Recovery for Daily Mood Trajectories at Work” published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology on 7 June 2023. DOI: 10.1111/joop.12445.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about workday mood
What does the study suggest about evening recovery and workday mood?
The study suggests that higher-quality recovery in the evening positively influences an individual’s mood the following workday. It leads to increased wakefulness, calmness, and overall pleasantness when starting work.
Are the benefits of evening recovery long-lasting throughout the workday?
No, the benefits of evening recovery tend to diminish throughout the workday. While employees experience enhanced mood at the beginning of the workday, the levels of wakefulness and calmness gradually decline as the day progresses.
How was the study conducted?
The study involved 124 employees who provided diary entries over a period of 887 days. These entries helped researchers assess the quality of recovery experienced by individuals after work and its impact on their mood the next day.
Is daily recovery important for employees?
Yes, the study emphasizes the importance of daily recovery for employees. Engaging in recovery practices on a daily basis is beneficial for mood and well-being. It is crucial to prioritize self-care and incorporate regular recovery activities into daily routines.
Does sleep quality play a role in the benefits of evening recovery?
Yes, the study found that better sleep quality following good evening recovery explains some, but not all, of the benefits. While sleep quality contributes to the positive effects, other factors associated with evening recovery also influence workday mood.
More about workday mood
- Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology: Link
- “Time Matters: The Role of Recovery for Daily Mood Trajectories at Work” (study referenced): Link
