This study explored the recovery experience process on work motivation by examining the leisure activities of young full-time employees. We collected qualitative data using semi-structured interviews with 20 Japanese full-time employees working for private companies in various industries. The analyses generated seven category groups, 15 categories, and 44 subcategories as the recovery experience processes. In addition, a hypothetical model was derived to show the three essential stages of the recovery experience process : (1) preparation and motivation for leisure, (2) recovery of personal resources through leisure, and (3) acquisition of personal resources through leisure. By examining both the positive and negative perspectives of these recovery experience processes and showing the relationship between each factor, this study integrates previous research and provides directions for future research on recovery experiences.