Working during non-standard work time undermines intrinsic motivation

How do people’s perceptions about when they work affect their intrinsic motivation? We find that working during non-standard time (weekends/holidays) versus standard (Monday-Friday, 9-to-5) undermines motivation for professional and academic pursuits. Working decreases by causing people to consider better uses of time. That is, generate more upward counterfactual thoughts, which mediates the effect on reduced motivation. As a causal test this process, increasing consideration counterfactuals reduces motivation, whereas decreasing helps employees students maintain Overall, we identify novel determinant address real challenge many face: changing schedules interest enjoyment work, with important consequences outcomes.