Can’t Catch a Break: Working During Time Off Undermines Intrinsic Motivation

Abstract

Intrinsic motivation refers to what people do—whether they pursue activities that enable autonomy, competence, and relatedness. However, six studies offer a new perspective on intrinsic motivation, demonstrating that it is also determined by when people pursue activities. Working during time perceived as non-standard work time (i.e., weekends/holidays vs. Monday-Friday) decreased intrinsic motivation for professional and academic goals (Studies 1-2). This effect occurs because working during perceived non-standard work time triggers counterfactual thoughts that one’s time could have been better spent (Study 3). An intervention that held non-standard work-time constant, but manipulated norms about time-use by emphasizing that others work (vs. relax) during this time, helped restore intrinsic motivation in one’s own work (Studies 4a-4c), with consequences for persistence. This research contributes to literature on time and intrinsic motivation, and addresses a real challenge many people face: How changing norms about work time affect interest in, and enjoyment of, work.