The Role of Work-Nonwork Boundary Management in Work Stress Recovery

Abstract

The aim of the present study conducted among 1,106 Finnish employees was to identify boundary management profiles based on cross-role interruption behaviors from work to nonwork and from nonwork to work. Adopting a person-oriented approach through latent profile analysis, 5 profiles were identified: Work Guardians (21% of the employees), Nonwork Guardians (14%), Integrators (25%), Separators (18%), and an Intermediate Group (22%). We then examined differences between these profiles with respect to recovery experiences (psychological detachment from work, relaxation, mastery experiences, and control during off-job time) and recovery outcomes (vigor and exhaustion). Work Guardians had the poorest situation in terms of recovery experiences and outcomes. Integrators came close to Work Guardians in their responses, but they showed better relaxation and control during off-job time. Nonwork Guardians and Separators had the most beneficial recovery experiences. The Intermediate Group scored near the average in all evaluations. Altogether the findings suggest that boundary management profiles play a significant role, especially regarding recovery experiences.