A diary-study on work-related smartphone use and employees’ well-being: the moderating role of basic need satisfaction

Abstract

The impact of work-related smartphone use on organizational and private life is a current research topic in work and organizational psychology. In this study, we investigate the day-level effects of work-related smartphone use during non-work time on employees’ psychological well-being. Drawing on the Limited Strength Model of Self-Control, we propose that work-related smartphone use depletes limited regulatory resources and thus, impairs well-being at the day-level. Furthermore, based on arguments brought up by Self-Determination Theory, we propose basic need satisfaction at work as a buffering moderator of this relationship, arguing that for employees with high levels of basic need satisfaction work-related smartphone use is less depleting due to high intrinsic motivation and higher levels of energy, which support resource recovery. A diary study covering ten working days (N = 74) was conducted to test our hypotheses. Results indicate that, in line with our expectations, work-related smartphone use impairs employees’ psychological well-being at the day-level. The satisfaction of basic psychological needs at work (autonomy, competence and relatedness) can buffer these effects and thus, protect employees from impairments of well-being. Practical relevance: Technological innovations such as smartphones allow employees to work anywhere, at any time, thus blurring the lines between different life domains and endangering employees’ well-being. Our study suggests different practical interventions to prevent such impairments of well-being for both organizations and individuals.