The integration of digital communication technologies into modern workplaces has fundamentally reshaped how organizations and employees navigate work-life boundaries, creating new challenges for management and consulting practices. This study examines the effects of after-hours workplace communication on employees’ emotional responses and perceptions of harassment, focusing on Mexico as a critical context for understanding these dynamics in emerging markets. Drawing on survey data from 763 participants across diverse industries, we explored relationships among emotional responses (negative and positive emotions), perceptions of workplace harassment, and communication practices outside regular work hours. Our findings reveal that frequent after-hours communication intensifies negative emotions—such as stress, frustration, and resentment—while diminishing positive emotions, including attentiveness and solidarity. Negative emotions were strongly associated with perceptions of harassment, whereas reduced after-hours communication correlated with more positive emotional states. Using multivariable regression analyses and grounded in Boundary Theory and the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, we demonstrate that after-hours communication acts as both a stressor and a potential mitigator of workplace conflict. This research highlights practical and theoretical contributions to consulting, particularly in the areas of employee well-being, organizational change, and policy development. For management consultants advising multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in emerging markets like Mexico, our findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive communication strategies, clear boundaries for after-hours messaging, and respect for employees’ personal time. By addressing these issues, consultants and organizations can foster healthier work environments, enhance emotional well-being, and drive sustainable organizational performance.
