Can Hobbies Boost Your Career? Study Suggests 'Leisure-Work Synergizing' Can Enhance Both Work and Personal Life

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Career Development,Lifestyle,Leisure-Work Synergizing

A new study published in the journal Organization Science explores the concept of 'leisure-work synergizing,' suggesting that intentionally integrating professional development into leisure activities can benefit both work performance and personal well-being. The study highlights how certain hobbies can provide valuable skills for the workplace, allowing individuals to learn and grow outside of traditional work settings. While some may prefer a clear separation between work and personal life, this approach can be particularly beneficial for those seeking to enhance their professional development while enjoying their free time.

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At a time when juggling professional and personal life is becoming a real challenge, the importance of leisure time is increasingly in the news. Yet the idea of devoting time to leisure activities can seem paradoxical, even counterproductive, when you're trying to achieve your professional goals. But a study suggests that it is totally possible to combine work and hobbies by putting into practice “ leisure-work synergizing .

” What if your hobbies could help you progress in your career? That's the idea behind a study recently published in the journal Organization Science. It highlights the concept of “leisure-work synergizing,” a strategy that involves subtly integrating professional development into leisure activities. This approach enables employees to distance themselves from their work, while performing better professionally. Far from being a mere distraction, these moments enable employees to take a step back from their job while also becoming more professionally adept. The idea is that certain recreational activities, in addition to being sources of pleasure, can also provide valuable skills for the world of work. Dan Schulman is a prime example of this synergy. The former PayPal CEO claims that his intensive martial arts practice taught him, far more effectively than any management course, to keep moving, stay calm in times of crisis and avoid unnecessary confrontations with the competition.One of the great advantages of this method is that it allows you to learn new skills without feeling like you're sacrificing your free time. The study's authors, Kate Zipay, professor at Purdue University, and Jessica Rodell, professor at the University of Georgia, found proof of this by analyzing the habits of workers who devote a significant proportion of their time to recreational activities. “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,” explains Kate Zipay in a release. However, this approach needs to be adapted to individual preferences. Some people make a point of pursuing hobbies that have no connection with their work. “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,” points out Ms Zipay. Without this downtime, the risk of overwork and mental fatigue is very real. For others, on the contrary, combining leisure and professional growth enriches their moments of relaxation while promoting their career development. “This isn't about making your free time feel like work. 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,” concludes Zipay. As the quest to achieve a healthy work-life balance becomes a greater priority for employees, many of them are exploring innovative approaches to blending well-being and professional drive. Much more than just a trend, “leisure-work synergizing” is emerging as a promising alternative, offering employees an opportunity to learn and develop while enjoying free time. But beware of reducing leisure time to a mere extension of work... After all, when can we really take time to relax

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Career Development Lifestyle Leisure-Work Synergizing Hobbies Career Development Work-Life Balance Professional Growth

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