UNPLUG TO PERFORM: THE CONDITIONAL IMPACT OF DIGITAL DETOXIFICATION ON EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH MENTAL WELL-BEING

Abstract

The increase in work-related digital duties has made it more difficult for employees, making them more tired, worried about cybersecurity and concerned about maintaining their productivity. This study is based on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory and investigates the role of digital detoxification in employee productivity, with mental well-being being the mediator and intensity of work serving as the moderator. With the help of a three-wave survey design, information was provided by 287 employees working in call centers in Punjab, Pakistan. Digital detoxification was found to boost employee productivity, as it helps improve their mental health which also increases productivity. In addition, having a high workload made it so that the benefits from digital detox were not as strong. These results suggest that resting from electronics and taking breaks is vital for saving and recharging resources and that doing so can strengthen mental toughness and output. It helps expand the field of digital well-being by looking at the different ways technology-use boundaries shape employee outcomes. Proposals are given that focus on improving occupational health, especially in places where achievements and communication are tracked continuously.

Keywords: Digital detoxification, employee productivity, mental well-being, workload intensity, COR theory, moderated mediation