Technology distraction at work. Impacts on self-regulation and work engagement

Abstract

Workplace technology interruption and distraction are complex to analyze. In completing their daily tasks, employees receive a plethora of emails, text messages on their smartphones, and app notifications from both professional and personal counterparts. These parallel communications pose new managerial opportunities and workplace challenges.While such microbreaks foster communicative potential and information access, past research has discussed the issue of technology overload. The present article contributes to parallel communications regarding digital transformation in the workplace.Based on an original dataset of 369 employees, we examine the issue of technology distraction and interruption in the workplace. The results show that parallel communications positively influence job performance and negatively affect self-regulation and work engagement. The findings enrich the literature on digital transformation. They have practical implications for managers and firms implementing specific arrangements to nurture and embrace successful digital ecosystems.