The Practical Paradox of Technology: The Influence of Communication Technology Use on Employee Well-Being

• In Event: B.E.S.T.: Organizations, Communication, and Technology

Abstract

Technological advancements in the workplace produce contrasting consequences, by facilitating greater accessibility and efficiency while also enabling increased interruptions and an unpredictable work environment. This study combines insights from organizational paradoxes and the Job Demands –Resources (JD-R) model to present a framework identifying the underlying positive and negative mechanisms in the relationship between communication technology use (CTU) and employee well-being, operationalized as work related burnout and work engagement. As hypothesized, our model (N=663) demonstrates that CTU increases well-being through positive pathways (accessibility and efficiency) and decreases well-being through negative pathways (interruptions and unpredictability). This study underlines the importance of simultaneously studying the CTU resources and demands to fully grasp the relationship between CTU and employee well-being. Also, it highlights the importance of considering the downsides of CTU for a successful implementation of new communication technologies or flexible work designs.

Authors

• Claartje L. ter Hoeven, ASCoR, U of Amsterdam

• ward van zoonen, U of Amsterdam

• Kathryn L Fonner, U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee