The Impact of Job Well-Being on Burnout among Knowledge Economy Workers: The Mediating Role of Digital Disconnection and the Influence of Techno strain
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54878/afez7v10Keywords:
Burnout, Job Well-Being, Techno strain, Digital Disconnection, Knowledge Economy, Digital Work Environment, Employee Well-BeingAbstract
The rapid digital transformation of modern workplaces has fundamentally changed the nature of work, creating new opportunities for flexibility, collaboration, and productivity. However, continuous connectivity, frequent digital interruptions, and increased reliance on technology have also introduced significant psychological challenges, particularly burnout among knowledge economy workers. This study examines the relationships among job well-being, techno strain, digital disconnection, and burnout within technology-intensive work environments. A quantitative descriptive-analytical research design was adopted to investigate these relationships among employees working in knowledge-based sectors, including information technology, digital marketing, e-learning, financial services, and remote administrative work. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed through statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, mediation analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The study proposes that job well-being negatively influences burnout, while techno strain positively contributes to burnout levels. Furthermore, digital disconnection is expected to play a mediating role by enabling employees to recover psychologically from work-related demands and reducing the negative effects of continuous digital connectivity. The research also explores demographic and occupational differences in burnout levels among employees. The findings are expected to contribute to the growing literature on occupational well-being in the digital age by providing an integrated framework that combines job well-being, techno strain, digital disconnection, and burnout within a single model. The study offers practical implications for organizations seeking to improve employee well-being, reduce digital stress, and promote sustainable work practices in increasingly technology-driven environments. Ultimately, the research highlights the importance of balancing digital engagement with psychological recovery to maintain employee performance, mental health, and long-term organizational effectiveness in the knowledge economy.
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