Free U. of Bolzano, IMD Business School and Lancaster U., Italy
The accelerated adoption of digital technologies in the workplace, driven in part by COVID-19, has transformed how tasks are executed and interactions occur. However, the effects of digital interactions in the workplace remain debated. Some studies highlight their positive influence on performance, while others point to challenges such as technostress and work interruptions. This research investigates the impact of digital platform use on workplace dynamics, focusing on work engagement and extra-role behaviors like organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and counterproductive work behavior (CWB). Using panel data from 1,000 employees across two waves, we analyze how different frequencies and types of platform use affect these outcomes. Findings reveal that digital platform use enhances work engagement, which boosts OCB and reduces CWB. Moderation analyses identify an optimal level of platform use, balancing its benefits and drawbacks in the workplace. These insights inform strategies for managing digital interactions to optimize employee performance and organizational success.