The spillover effect of after-hours electronic communication on nurses’ cyberloafing: the mediating role of psychological contract breach

Abstract

Abstract Background Considerable research has investigated the influencing factors of cyberloafing in the workplace. However, few studies have focused on the antecedents in non-work fields, especially for nurses. According to the effort-reward imbalance theory, this study aims to explore the spillover effect of after-hours electronic communication on nurses’ cyberloafing, and the mediating role of psychological contract breach. Methods A total of 282 nurses completed the online survey. PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to test how after-hour electronic communication affect nurses’ cyberloafing. Results After-hours electronic communication has a significant positive impact on nurses’ cyberloafing, and psychological contract breach plays a mediating role in the relationship. Conclusion Psychological contract breach was the linchpin linking after-hours electronic communication to nurses’ cyberloafing in workplace. This study provides a guide for healthcare organizations to reduce or manage inappropriate telework arrangements and strengthen nurses’ psychological contracts.