Digital Connectivity at Work: Balancing Benefits and Risks for Engagement, Technostress, and Performance

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of smart working and digital connectivity, transforming workplace interactions. While this shift offers flexibility and autonomy, it also raises concerns about workload management, psychological health, and work–life balance. Method: This study utilized a sample of 1185 employees from a multinational company operating in Italy to examine the impact of digital connectivity on work engagement, technostress, and job performance, framed within the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model. Participants completed surveys measuring digital connectivity, work engagement, technostress, and job performance. Results: The findings revealed moderate levels of digital connectivity and technostress, alongside high levels of work engagement and job performance. Mediation analysis indicated that work engagement positively mediated the relationship between digital connectivity and job performance, while technostress negatively impacted job performance. Notably, the two mediators operated independently rather than sequentially. Value: this research highlights the dual nature of digital connectivity as both a resource and a demand in the workplace. It underscores the importance of implementing strategies to enhance work engagement while addressing technostress. Organizations can benefit from adopting “right to disconnect” policies and flexible work arrangements to foster a healthier work environment, ultimately improving employee well-being and productivity in the digital age.