The spillover and crossover of daily work enjoyment and well-being: A diary study among working couples

AbstractThe purpose of this daily diary study was to investigate whether a positive experience initiated at work (i.e., work enjoyment) may have an indirect impact on employees’ significant others. Based on Fredrickson's broaden-and-build theory (2001) we predicted that daily work enjoyment would be positively related to own daily well-being (spillover) and, in turn, daily well-being would be transmitted to the partner (crossover). Eighty couples participated in the study. Participants filled in a diary booklet during five consecutive working days. Overall, results supported our hypotheses. This study is the first to provide evidence for an upward spiral initiated at work and transferred at home in the form of couples’ increased well-being