ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the experience of flow at work. It exemplifies the nature of the subjective experience of work-related flow. Most of the research on flow has focused on voluntary leisure and sporting activities. However, research has also shown that the experience of flow occurs in work-related activities. Csikszentmihalyi has defined flow as a state in which people are so deeply involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter. Both qualitative and quantitative research on flow across a diversity of work and leisure activities has indicated that optimal experience consists of six core components. In the work context, Bakker has operationalized the flow experience with three dimensions: absorption, enjoyment, and intrinsic motivation. Work-related flow, particularly as operationalized by the WOrk-reLated Flow inventory (WOLF), has many conceptual similarities with the concept of work engagement. Work engagement is defined as "a positive, fulfilling, work-related state of mind that is characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption".
