From Screen Time To Me Time: An Examination Of Technological Workload’s Consequences On Work-Life Balance Through Job Satisfaction

Abstract

In today’s digital environment, integration between technology and the workplace has become ubiquitous, providing unprecedented convenience and efficiency. However, this pervasive integration has given rise to a phenomenon that shapes the dynamics of the modern workforce: technical workloads. This study explores the impact of technical workload on work-life balance, focusing on the mediating role of job satisfaction and the moderating effect of social support. The first hypothesis posits a negative relationship between the consequences of technical workload and work-life balance. Based on existing literature, we expect that the constant demand for technology may upset the delicate balance that individuals seek to maintain between their professional responsibilities and their personal lives. The second hypothesis included job satisfaction as a mediating variable, suggesting that individuals with higher technical workloads are more likely to report lower job satisfaction. This in turn is expected to be associated with a lower sense of work-life balance. The third hypothesis explores the moderating role of social support, proposing that the negative effect of technical workload on work-life balance is weaker when social support is higher. The study acknowledges the temporary impact of supportive workplace relationships in mitigating challenges posed by technology demands. This study uses a comprehensive literature review to formulate hypotheses, exploring the historical development of workplace technology, theoretical constructs surrounding work-life balance, and the role of social support. The study adopted a quantitative approach to collect quantitative information from a diverse sample of professionals. The results of this study aim to provide valuable insights into the ongoing discussion about the consequences of technology workloads, and provide practical implications for individuals, organizations, and policy makers. As the digital environment continues to evolve, understanding the complex interplay between technology, work and wellbeing is crucial to creating healthy and sustainable workplaces.