The role of staff breakrooms in employees' psychophysiological recovery, well-being, and performance

2023 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K01929
• Research Institution: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
• Principal Investigator: 齊藤 広晃 立命館アジア太平洋大学, 国際経営学部, 准教授 (30794812)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: Employee recovery / Employee well-being / Stress / Hospitality

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

During the preceding year, I and my collaborators engaged in the development and submission of two manuscripts. The first manuscript involved a comprehensive synthesis of studies pertaining to well-being within the hospitality industry. This effort aimed to deepen our understanding of the research context. The manuscript was duly completed and submitted to the International Journal of Hospitality Management, a premier academic publication in the field. Following receipt of insightful comments from peer reviewers and editors, I meticulously addressed these feedback points, culminating in a resubmission of the manuscript. It is presently undergoing a second round of peer review.

Concurrently, I encountered challenges with a second manuscript, which was not accepted for publication by several top-tier journals. Efforts are currently underway to refine and resubmit this manuscript to another esteemed international journal.

Another pivotal aspect of our academic endeavours involved fieldwork data collection. In an endeavour to enhance the empirical robustness and academic contribution of our study, we gathered additional data from employees in the hospitality sector. This data collection process is an ongoing endeavour and will continue to enrich our research.

Current Status of Research Progress

3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.

Reason

During the past year, despite the challenges posed by the easing of global pandemic regulations, fluctuating currency rates, and concurrent engagements in other projects, progress was somewhat maintained. Notably, I successfully executed multiple fieldwork in both Japan and Australia. These included a blend of virtual and in-person meetings with collaborators, as well as extensive data collection through field observations and interviews. These efforts were instrumental in advancing the research despite the aforementioned challenges.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

As I anticipate the decision on the manuscript presently under peer review, and continue to refine another manuscript, my upcoming objectives include finalising the data collection process, performing a comprehensive analysis of the collected data, and composing an additional manuscript prior to the conclusion of the Academic Year 2024. This new manuscript is poised to offer insights into how the physical environment of breakrooms within the hospitality industry can potentially augment the physical and mental restoration of employees during their breaks.

Furthermore, plans are in place to organise a series of business trips, both within Japan and abroad. These trips are aimed at facilitating direct dialogue with collaborators and engaging with representatives from the hospitality industry, particularly targeted hotels. These interactions are integral to the advancement of our research initiatives and the fostering of collaborative relationships.

Causes of Carryover

Due to engagements in other projects and unexpected personal circumstances, the progression of the current project has been slower than initially anticipated. Consequently, the funds allocated for this project in the Academic Year 2023, which remain unutilised, will be strategically redirected to support the revised plans set for the Academic Year 2024. This reallocation is aimed at ensuring the successful completion of the project within the revised timeframe.