The relationship between self-control and work-related outcomes: What is the role of lifestyle?

Having healthy employees is essential for employers. However, the lifestyles of Dutch employees are not all as healthy as they should. This study investigated the extent to which lifestyle mediates the relationship between self-control and work related outcomes, including emotional exhaustion, sickness absence, work engagement, job satisfaction, and job performance. A total of 171 Dutch employees working in a variety of sectors participated in this cross-sectional survey. Self-control appeared to be positively associated with smoking, fruit, vegetable and snack consumption, alcohol consumption during the weekend, recovery experiences and sleep quality. We did not find associations with alcohol use during the week, candy consumption and physical exercise. Alcohol consumption during the weekend, recovery experiences and sleep quality mediated the relationships between self-control and a variety of work outcomes. Furthermore, smoking and vegetable consumption were associated with work-related outcomes. With these results, we hope to encourage future research and interventions regarding self-control, lifestyle and work-related outcomes.