Work-Related ICT Use Outside Work Hours and Work-Family Balance: Mediating Effect of Work-Family Conflict and Moderating Effect of Integration Preference

Abstract

In modern society, work is facilitated by new communication technologies that make it possible for everyone to communicate about work issues outside from traditional working hours. The COVID-19 pandemic has speeded the adoption of digitalisation and information and communication technology (ICT) tools are becoming an increasingly important part of the workforce. While more employees use ICT outside of regular working hours and premises, existing research on the effects of technology on individuals and families remains inconclusive. This paper examined the relationship between work-related ICT use outside work hours and work-family balance while considering work-family conflict as a mediator and integration preference as the moderator. Questionnaires were distributed to 800 non-academic employees in Malaysia’s public higher education institutions who were selected using the stratified sampling method. The findings stated that using work-related ICT outside work hours is positively connected to work-family conflict; however, the effect is mitigated for employees who prefer to integrate their work and family lives. Moreover, work-related ICT use outside work hours was shown to exert an effect on work-family balance through work-family conflict. The results may help the higher authorities of public universities in Malaysia to better understand the impact of expectations regarding staying connected to work even outside of work hours.