Effects of Sports Workcation on Workers’ Health and Psychosocial Outcomes

Abstract

“Workcation,” a combination of “work” and “vacation,” is attracting attention as a way of working that corresponds to a new lifestyle. Workcation combines work and leisure time, in which people work and engage in leisure activities in different environments, such as travel destinations. However, there is little scientific evidence for its effectiveness. This research conducted an experimental study of sports workcation, with the leisure activities of exercise and sports incorporated in work activities, among workers in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The study compared the changes over time in mental health outcomes （K6）, health behavior outcomes （sleeping condition, decisional balance for exercise）, and psychosocial outcomes （work engagement, psychological detachment, psychological safety） between 9 participants in the workcation group and 35 participants in the non-workcation group. The analysis revealed that the workcation participants’ scores significantly improved in some of the health behavior and psychosocial outcomes compared with their non-workcation participants. The results suggest that the workcation scheme may contribute to the health and productivity of workers.