Benefits of recovery after work among Turkish manufacturing managers and professionals

Abstract

Purpose

A body of research evidence has shown that job stressors are associated with lower levels of satisfaction and psychological well‐being. It has been suggested that recovery after the work day may reduce fatigue, restore mood and improve well‐being. The purpose of this paper is to examine predictors and consequences of four recovery experiences (psychological detachment, relaxation, mastery, and control) identified by Sonnentag and Fritz, to replicate and extend their work.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 887 men and women managers and professionals working in the manufacturing sector in Turkey using anonymously completed questionnaires (a 58 percent response rate).

Findings

Respondents at higher organizational levels made more use of both mastery and control. Personality factors (need for achievement and workaholism components) were also positively correlated with use of mastery and control. Hierarchical regression analyses controlling both personal demographic and work situation characteristics showed generally positive relationships with use of recovery experiences and more favorable work and well‐being outcomes. Psychological detachment, however, was found to have negative relationships with some of these outcomes suggesting more complex relationships with use of this recovery experience.

Research limitations/implications

Questions of causality cannot be addressed since data were collected at only one point in time.

Practical implications

Individuals, through practice, and organizations, through training efforts, can encourage employees to practice recovery while off the job to improve their work satisfaction and individual well‐being.

Originality/value

The paper presents the first study of recovery experiences in Turkey.

Citation

Burke, R.J., Koyuncu, M. and Fiksenbaum, L. (2009), "Benefits of recovery after work among Turkish manufacturing managers and professionals", Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 109-122. https://doi.org/10.1108/17537980910960681