The Relationship between After-Hours Information Communication Technology Usage, Organizational Identification, and Work-Life Conflict of Generation Z Employees in Taiwan

Abstract

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This study explored the relationship between after-hours information and communication technology (ICT) usage and work-life conflict among Generation Z employees in Taiwan, with the potential moderating role of organizational identification. This research addressed a gap in the literature by examining these dynamics in a smaller market with unique cultural developments surrounding the right to disconnect. By doing so, it aimed to contribute relevant insights to strengthen organizational polices that support healthier work-life boundaries and support employee well-being among younger employees in Taiwan. This study examined two key questions: Does after-hours ICT usage have a relationship with work-life conflict? and Does organizational identification moderate this relationship? A quantitative research design was applied, using convenience and snowball sampling methods to collect data from 217 full-time Gen Z employees working across different industries in Taiwan. Data analysis was conducted through the use of IBM SPSS 23 and JASP 0.19.3 to test the proposed hypotheses. The results revealed that after-hours ICT usage is significantly and positively associated with work-life conflict, while organizational identification does not moderate this relationship. Instead, organizational identification functions as a factor that may increase employees’ willingness to remain digitally connected. These findings emphasize the importance of establishing clear boundaries with digital communication.