The Influence of Work-Related Communication Technology Use during Non-Working Hours on Innovative Behavior: A Study on Government Employees in Hunan

The sustainability of government innovation relies on the continuous innovative behavior of government employees. Information technology drives innovation, but its extensive use leads government employees to work outside of regular hours. This not only burdens them but also causes stress and tension, disrupting their innovative behavior. This study investigates the link between work connectivity behavior after hours (WCBA) and the innovative behavior of government employees using the resource conservation theory. It examines the mediating role of work engagement and the moderating effect of psychological resilience. Analyzing data from 275 government employees through questionnaires using Mplus 8.3, we discovered that WCBA negatively impacts innovative behavior and work engagement. Work engagement partially mediates the relationship between WCBA and innovative behavior. Additionally, psychological resilience negatively moderates the connection between WCBA and work engagement, influencing the innovative behavior of government employees. The findings offer theoretical and practical insights into reducing government burdens and fostering innovation, suggesting sustainable innovations for government employees.