Private ICT-Activities and Emotions at Work – A Swedish Diary Study

Abstract

The boundaries between the work and non-work spheres have been challenged through the rapid development of information and communication technology (ICT). Individuals may easily engage in non-work (family and private) matters at work and during working hours. Prior research on emotions at work tends to understand all emotions at work as work related. By studying non-work matters managed through ICT in a diary study, we suggest that emotions at work are triggered both by work and non-work matters. Our research shows that these emotions can be both positive and negative and may come from actual engagement in private matters, or as a response to a need or a demand to address a private matter. Since emotions affect work performance, for example, we suggest that HR and managers take the causes of workplace emotions into consideration when addressing issues related to emotions at work.

Renegotiating Work-Home Boundaries: Reconciliations of Remote Work and School During COVID-19

“…Our study demonstrates how the parents became masters at this kind of role management, but also felt overwhelmed. This links to the spillovers between work and family-related emotions and aligns with Palm et al (2022) who argue how both work and non-work matters trigger emotions experienced at work.…”

Daily Habits and Work-life Boundary Control: Telework in the Era of COVID-19

“…When boundaries become blurred, it becomes harder to keep work and family roles separate and distinct (Reyt & Viesenfeld 2015). This can potentially lead to home-towork conflict (Golden et al 2007); an experience of never being free from or mentally able to disconnect from work (Palm et al 2022;Ragu-Nathan et al 2008); reduced ability to stay focused at work (Rosengren et al 2022) and reduced job performance (Van Steenbergen & Ellemers 2009). However, research also shows that by using boundary management techniques (often referred to as boundary work), the different roles can be separated if desired, even when work is conducted in the domestic area.…”