Engaging and disengaging work conditions, momentary experiences and cortisol response

There is a growing literature suggesting important associations between the perceived work situation, individual health, and
organizational outcomes. Less research has investigated employee experiences in the moment, which might help explain why the
broader outcomes emerge. We examined momentary affect and cortisol from a within-day and between-day perspective, comparing
working time to nonworking time for employees in engaging and disengaging workplaces. Findings indicate significantly lower
momentary happiness and interest and higher stress and sadness are associated with work, and, in particular, with disengaging
work environments. The connections between momentary affect and cortisol confirmed prior research, but cortisol was higher
during non-work weekday moments. Employees with engaging work conditions had lower cortisol during weekday (working) mornings
in comparison to employees with disengaging work conditions. There was no difference on Saturdays. These results provide evidence
that work, and especially the work situation, is associated with affective and physiological momentary states.