The Impact of Workplace Ostracism on Work-Related Ruminations: The Moderating Role of Micro-Breaks among Military Service Personnel

Previous literature investigated several aspects of workplace ostracism (WO). However, no prior research has explored the link between WO, work-related rumination, and the buffering role of (workplace) micro-breaks in a military context. Evidence regarding the moderating role of micro-breaks in this link is scarce, especially concerning work-related rumination. Building on the Conservation of Resources Theory and the Effort-Recovery Model, this study examined the relations between WO, work-related ruminations, and the potential moderating effect of micro-breaks among non-flight and flight crew personnel within the Romanian Air Force. A cross-sectional survey involving 210 military personnel revealed that WO is related to work-related ruminations. Additionally, micro-breaks moderated this relationship. Our study contributes to the existing literature by exploring how and when WO influences recovery at work (internal) and home (external), drawing from a resource perspective. These results' implications, theoretically and practically, are discussed along with suggestions for future research directions.