Evaluating the Impact of a Sports-and-Agriculture Workcation on Employees’ Well-Being: A Controlled Study Among Japanese Workers

Workcation, a blend of “work” and “vacation,” has garnered increasing attention in Japan amid expanding flexible work styles. Integrating sports and agricultural activities into such programs may boost physical and mental well-being, alleviate stress, and enhance productivity; however, empirical data remain sparse. In a four-week study conducted in Yamaguchi Prefecture from late November to mid-December 2023, employees (n = 10) from three Tokyo-area companies participated in a sports-and-agriculture workcation, while a non-participating control group (n = 35) served as a comparator. Data were collected at four time points to assess psychological detachment, perceived exercise benefits, daily step counts, and a range of mental health indicators (Athens Insomnia Scale, K6, work engagement, and psychological safety). An ECG-based wearable device monitored sleep and stress, and semi-structured interviews explored participants’ experiences in a novel work setting. Although quantitative analysis revealed no significant difference in psychological detachment between groups, workcation participants demonstrated substantially heightened perceptions of exercise benefits during and shortly after the on-site period. Interview responses further indicated that exposure to new environments, physical activities, and agricultural tasks contributed to a sense of mental refreshment. By contrast, some participants encountered logistical obstacles such as limited infrastructure, restricted workspace availability, and organizational concerns related to fairness. These findings highlight both the potential advantages of sports-and-agriculture workcations and the importance of addressing infrastructural and policy barriers to fully capitalize on their benefits.