Jesse Kemmetmueller
Research Mentor(s): Elizabeth Trinh
Mentor Department: Management and Organizations
Authors: Jesse Kemmetmueller, Elizabeth Trihn
Session: Session 2 (10:00am – 10:50am)
Presentation Type: Poster 80
Abstract
This project explores how strategic rest enhances overall productivity by improving cognitive function, creativity, and overall well-being. Key concepts such as cognitive fatigue (mental exhaustion from prolonged focus) and active rest (engaging in non-work activities that replenish energy) help frame this discussion, in which there can be frequent confusion between science-backed research and pop culture pseudoscience. This project draws from interdisciplinary research across psychology, business, and philosophy, including a meta-analysis of over 50 interviews with successful start-up founders and business leaders, a dissection of existing research, and personally collected survey data. This research contributes to a growing conversation attempting to redefine productivity by presenting rest as an active and intentional strategy instead of a passive state of inactivity.
