Research Highlights the Benefits of Integrating Professional Growth into Leisure Activities – But Warns of the Need for Balance
New INFORMS Organization Science Study Key Takeaways:
- Integrating work-related learning into leisure activities can enhance confidence, build new skills and support professional growth.
- Leisure-work synergizing is most effective for individuals who prefer blending work and personal life rather than keeping them separate.
- Overdoing leisure-work synergizing may lead to fatigue, emphasizing the importance of balance to maintain its benefits.
BALTIMORE, MD, January 28, 2025 – Could your favorite hobbies help you get ahead at work? New research published in the INFORMS journal Organization Science explores “leisure-work synergizing,” a novel strategy for integrating professional development into leisure activities. The findings suggest that this approach can help employees thrive in their careers while enjoying their personal lives – but only if used in moderation.
“We found that employees who intentionally integrate professional growth into their free time – like listening to leadership podcasts, watching TED Talks or reading engaging business books – report feeling more confident, motivated and capable at work,” says Kate Zipay, one of the study authors and professor at Purdue University. “This innovative approach allows individuals to build skills and thrive professionally without sacrificing the enjoyment of leisure activities.”
The study, “Have Your Cake and Eat It Too? Understanding Leisure-Work Synergizing and Its Impact on Employee Thriving,” also highlights potential challenges. For employees who prefer strict boundaries between work and personal life, blending the two may feel overwhelming and lead to fatigue.
“Employees who prefer a clear separation between work and personal life might struggle with this approach, highlighting the importance of tailoring the practice to individual preferences,” says Zipay.
For others, leisure-work synergizing offers a way to make downtime more fulfilling while advancing professional goals. “This isn’t about making your free time feel like work,” says Zipay. “It’s about leveraging activities you already love in a way that fuels your professional growth. Done right, it’s a game-changer for employees and employers alike.”
Zipay and co-author Jessica Rodell, professor at the University of Georgia, emphasize that these insights have far-reaching implications. As more employees seek ways to balance demanding careers with meaningful personal lives, leisure-work synergizing offers a fresh, practical solution. Employers can also use these findings to support skill development and employee well-being, creating a win-win for both sides.
About INFORMS and Organization Science
INFORMS is the world’s largest association for professionals and students in operations research, AI, analytics, data science and related disciplines, serving as a global authority in advancing cutting-edge practices and fostering an interdisciplinary community of innovation. Organization Science, a leading INFORMS journal, publishes innovative research on strategy, management and organizational theory. INFORMS empowers its community to enhance organizational performance and drive data-driven decision-making through its journals and resources. Learn more at www.informs.org or @informs.
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443-757-3578
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Ashley Smith
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Catonsville, MD
[email protected]
443-757-3578