'Harmonious' passion: Unlocking the potential of overqualified employees

Overqualified employees with "harmonious" passion are more likely to find meaning in their work and tap into their career potential, according to a new study from the University of Western Australia (UWA).

Researchers carried out two studies to identify the impact of two types of work passion – 'harmonious' and 'obsessive' – in unlocking the potential of overqualified employees, who are more likely to feel bored and quit in their roles.

The paper defined "harmonious" passion as work that is "seamlessly integrated into one's identity and balanced with other life domains."

"Obsessive" passion, on the other hand, is derived from the external pressure and characterised by a compulsive need to work.

"Overqualified employees with higher harmonious passion felt they were doing meaningful work, wanted to stay in their careers, and thought they were achieving important career goals," said senior lecturer Joseph Carpini from UWA's Business School in a statement.

He added that those who scored lower on "harmonious" passion were more likely to considering quitting because they don't experience meaning in their work.

"Harmonious passion – as opposed to obsessive passion – was an important factor in both cases," the senior lecturer said.

Overqualified employees

The findings come as one-third of employees in Australia and the United States feel qualified for their roles, according to the research.

Associate Professor Alex Luksyte said this is likely because of increasing unemployment levels, where applications for each job are going up, including those who may feel overqualified for the role.

As a result of feeling overqualified, many are growing bored and voluntarily find better fitting employment.

"Employees who feel overqualified and score higher on harmonious passion are likely to derive personal meaning from their work and view their careers positively," Luksyte said.