Understanding the effects of ubiquitous connectivity on employee well-being and job insecurity: a moderated mediation model

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the current hybrid work context, the significance of employee well-being and the enduring concern over job insecurity have become increasingly emphasised. However, our understanding of how the intricate interplay among the technology environment, individual behaviour, and personal characteristics impacts employee well-being and job insecurity remains incomplete. To bridge this knowledge gap, we have proposed a moderated mediation model grounded on the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). This study delves into the impact of ubiquitous connectivity feature of technological environment (encompassing compatibility and presenteeism) on employee well-being and job insecurity. Additionally, we explore the mediating role of individual behaviour (i.e. Enterprise social media (ESM) enabled embeddedness), and the moderating role of personal characteristics (i.e. ESM self-efficacy) within these associations. By collaborating with a large biotechnology company in China, we conducted a two-wave survey. 189 responses from both study waves are used for final analysis using Partial Least Square (PLS) approach. The results revealed noteworthy mediation effects of ESM-enabled embeddedness and significant moderated mediation effects of ESM self-efficacy. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.