Reciprocal relationships between job demands, job resources, and recovery opportunities

textabstractThe aim of this study was to explore longitudinal relationships between job demands, job resources, and recovery opportunities. On the basis of the Job Demands-Resources model and Conservation of Resources theory we hypothesized that we would find reciprocal relations between job demands, job resources, and recovery opportunities over time. The sample was composed of 502 employees from a chemical processing company in the Netherlands, and we used a time lag of 1 year. Results of structural equation modeling analyses supported our hypotheses. Specifically, it was found that Time 1 (T1) workload was negatively related and autonomy positively related to Time 2 (T2) recovery opportunities. Additionally, T1 recovery opportunities had a negative effect on T2 workload and positive effects on autonomy and feedback. Overall, the findings suggest the presence of a positive upward spiral between job demands, job resources, and recovery opportunities