How weekend leisure experiences alleviate emotional exhaustion at work

This study investigates the underlying mechanisms by which weekend leisure experiences buffer against emotional exhaustion at work. Integrating Marx's alienation theory and family-work enrichment theory, we propose that weekend leisure experiences address alienation from the work process and products, others, and self, thereby mitigating negative work experiences. Using time-lagged survey data, we demonstrate that the authenticity and positive relationships fostered during weekend leisure contribute to reduced emotional exhaustion in the following workweek through family-work enrichment. However, the sense of autonomy gained during weekend leisure does not consistently carry over to the work environment. Our findings elucidate the underlying mechanism of leisure's ameliorating effects on work-related stressors and offer both theoretical and practical insights into optimizing employee well-being and productivity.