Social Support as Technostress Inhibitor

Abstract

Due to ongoing digitalization and the social distancing measures that came along with the COVID-19 pandemic, the working conditions and environments have changed for many individuals. Because of increased telework, the use of digital technologies for communicating and collaborating at work has been intensified, which can cause technostress. With longitudinal data from two surveys – one before and one during the COVID-19 pandemic – the paper analyzes the relationship between four social support dimensions (supervisor support, co-worker support, sense of community at work, and family support) and technostress creators. The study shows that social support can be an effective inhibitor of technostress creators. However, social support dimensions have to be differentiated in that regard. Further, the results show that the inhibiting effect of family support has become even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results contribute to technostress research and research with regard to the new normal of working after the pandemic.

The Power of Integration Towards Sustainable Performance: A Model to Minimize Technostress Among Frontline Restaurant Employees by Combining Job and Employee Resources

“…A study by Tarafdar et al (2014) found that employees who perceived higher levels of supervisor support reported lower levels of technostress. Similarly, a study by Lanzl (2023) found that social support from supervisors was negatively related to technostress. Therefore, supervisor support can have a significant impact on reducing technostress among FLEs.…”

“…Social support can be an effective inhibitor of technostress creators. Social support can reduce technostress creators' negative impact by providing employees with a sense of security and assistance when problems with digital technologies occur (Lanzl, 2023). This study concentrated on workplace social support (i.e., organizational, supervisor, and co-worker).…”

“…Co-worker support refers to colleagues' assistance and encouragement to help employees cope with work -related stress (Shin et al, 2021). Co-worker support can take many forms, such as sharing tips and tricks for managing technology, providing emotional support and understanding when co-workers experience technostress, and collaborating on projects to reduce individual workload (Lanzl, 2023). When co-workers provide support and resources to help each other manage their workload and use of technology, it can reduce the negative impact of technology on their well-being and job performance.…”

“…22). Therefore, all restaurant managers should promote a supportive and collaborative work environment to reduce feelings of isolation and tension caused by using technology (Lanzl, 2023).…”