Digital technologies and employee wellbeing : navigating the complexities of digital transformation

Abstract

In this dissertation, I explore the relationships between digital technologies, digital transformation (DT) and employee wellbeing, addressing an important but underresearched area. Motivated by the rapid digitalisation of workplaces and its profound implications as well as the growing recognition of the importance of employee wellbeing for organisations, industries and society, I examine how digital technologies and broader DT-driven changes influence employee wellbeing. Specifically, I explore the concept of employee wellbeing in a DT context, focusing on the mechanisms behind and nature of the influence of digital technologies and employee resistance, which is a prominent element of DT, on various dimensions of employee wellbeing. The research design consists of a concurrent mixed-methods approach, including two multiple-case studies, survey research and a computational literature review conducted between 2022 and 2024. Four publications are included in the dissertation.

The findings reveal that digital technologies and DT have diverse effects on employee wellbeing, which are contingent on individual, technological and organisational factors. While digital technologies can enhance performance, safety and learning opportunities, they also pose risks, such as increased stress, workload and performance pressure. The study contributes theoretically by synthesising the fragmented literature on this topic, providing new empirical insights into the effects of digital technologies and DT on employee wellbeing and advancing our understanding of how employee wellbeing can be managed in digitalised workplaces. It also outlines future research directions that may deepen our knowledge regarding this emerging area. At a practical level, the dissertation offers recommendations for technology developers, organisations and employees, emphasising the need for human-centric technology design, considerate technology implementation strategies, and training programs to help employees cope with technological changes without compromising their wellbeing. I conclude that prioritizing employee wellbeing is crucial in fostering healthy, adaptable workplaces and increasing the success rate of digital initiatives. Overall, this work helps create workplaces that thrive amidst ongoing technological advancements.