A longitudinal study on ICT workload in the extended stressor-detachment model: testing moderated mediation models for extended work availability and workplace telepressure

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are seen as essential tools for mastering knowledge work in the twenty-first century. However, ICTs do not solely improve workflows, but are experienced by employees as an additional demand described as ICT workload. In this study, we apply the stressor-detachment model in the context of ICT, and investigated relations of ICT workload to psychological detachment and emotional exhaustion. Furthermore, as extended work availability and workplace telepressure are organisational and individual factors associated with ICT use, we extend the stressor-detachment model by testing moderated mediational effects. Specifically, we investigated whether extended work availability and workplace telepressure strengthen the indirect effect of ICT workload on emotional exhaustion via psychological detachment. In a longitudinal study of 228 employees with three measurement points, ICT workload was positively related to emotional exhaustion over time. Additionally, we found tentative support for a mediation via psychological detachment, that is stronger for higher levels of workplace telepressure. In sum, our study shows that employees experiencing high levels of ICT workload have a higher risk of suffering from emotional exhaustion. An impaired ability to psychologically detach and high levels of workplace telepressure play a crucial role in this relationship.