Sustaining employee passion with job crafting

One of the most persistent challenges for managers is maintaining employee passion and motivation over time. However, new research from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School revealed that passion for work can be cultivated and sustained by encouraging employees to proactively shape their roles, a process known as “job crafting”.

The study, co-authored by Professor Li Wendong, Associate Professor at CUHK Business School’s Department of Management, gathered insights from over 3,500 employees of a German company over 15 months. The findings suggest that passion at work can fluctuate, but employees who actively engage in job crafting are more likely to sustain—and even enhance—their passion over time.

Job crafting refers to an employee’s proactive efforts to adjust their tasks and goals to better align with their strengths, values, and interests. The study revealed that this self-driven approach not only sustains passion but also reinforces it, creating a positive feedback loop. Employees who take control of their work environment and tailor it to suit their preferences are more likely to remain engaged, experience greater job satisfaction, and achieve higher performance levels.

The research differentiates between two types of passion: “harmonious” and “obsessive”. Employees with harmonious passion are intrinsically motivated, driven by a genuine interest in their work. These individuals are more likely to engage in meaningful job crafting, experience higher satisfaction, and achieve personal growth. Their work-life balance is more sustainable, allowing them to thrive in their roles without the risk of burnout.

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In contrast, employees with obsessive passion feel compelled to work due to external pressures, such as meeting others’ expectations or seeking social acceptance. While these employees may still engage in job crafting, it tends to be less effective and is often accompanied by negative emotions like anxiety and burnout.

The findings offer lessons for managers striving to boost and maintain employee engagement. Encouraging job crafting and providing employees with the flexibility to align their work with their values can help foster long-term passion. By cultivating an environment where employees can shape their roles to match their strengths and interests, organisations are more likely to see sustained motivation, improved performance, and long-term success.