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Constrained by work: Linking daily work connectivity behavior after-hours to next-day employee job performance

Author

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  • Quan, Jing
  • van Dierendonck, Dirk
  • Wu, Zhengyang
  • Feng, Tianjiao

Abstract

In the digital workplace, work connectivity behavior after-hours (WCBA) is increasingly encouraged to promote flexibility and responsiveness. While prior research has extensively linked WCBA to maladaptive workplace behaviors, less is known about its influence on constructive work-related behaviors, particularly job performance. Drawing on conservation of resources theory, this study proposes a cross-day framework to examine how daily WCBA initiates a resource loss spiral that ultimately impairs next-day job performance. We identify ego depletion and work alienation as sequential mediators linking daily WCBA to next-day job performance. Data were collected using an experience sampling method from 94 full-time employees over ten consecutive workdays. The results show that daily WCBA increases current-day ego depletion, which leads to next-day work alienation and, in turn, reduces job performance. Furthermore, high core self-evaluations and low job complexity mitigate the detrimental effects of daily WCBA. Theoretical and practical implications, along with future research directions, are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Quan, Jing & van Dierendonck, Dirk & Wu, Zhengyang & Feng, Tianjiao, 2025. "Constrained by work: Linking daily work connectivity behavior after-hours to next-day employee job performance," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:200:y:2025:i:c:s0148296325004631
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2025.115640
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    References listed on IDEAS

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