49 Conceptualization and Measurement of Proactive Vitality Management may influence the effectiveness of energy management and recovery (Sonnentag et al, 2017; Zacher et al., 2014). To address this gap, future studies could test cross-level interaction effects between proactive vitality management and potentially relevant boundary or facilitating conditions (e.g., degree of job autonomy or type of work tasks). Perhaps individuals who have more autonomy in their work have more opportunities to engage in preferential strategies to manage their physical and mental energy for work. Or, people may be more motivated to use proactive vitality management for workdays with challenging tasks, or on days during which they have sufficient time to think about new projects. Practical Implications This research may elevate awareness about the importance of physical and mental energy at work, and how individuals may proactively manage their own vitality to promote their work. The instrument that we have developed may be used in future research, and in practice as well. Organizations, but also working individuals themselves, may find it useful to examine their collective or personal levels of proactivity in this area, and the extent to which there may be room for improvement. Organizations and managers may cultivate and facilitate proactive vitality management by encouraging their employees, and by providing sufficient opportunities for employees to engage in preferential strategies to manage their vitality. Moreover, working individuals may try to approach their work proactively and think about what helps them to boost their physical and mental energy and function optimally. Conclusion The current labor market is characterized by a growing emphasis on proactive and flexible employees, who carry a responsibility for their own work life, well-being, and careers (cf. Grant & Parker, 2009). Accordingly, besides valuable organizational policies or programs to promote employee vitality, organizations may benefit from creating a climate in which employees are stimulated and encouraged to take control themselves. Indeed, the current findings suggest that individuals may proactively manage their own levels of physical and mental energy, and that such behavior may promote their performance at work. 2
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTk4NDMw