The Extent to Which Technostress Is Related to Employees’ Work-Life Fit: A Multilevel Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: This multilevel meta-analytic review is designed to analyze and quantify the effect size of the association between technostress and work-life fit among employees. Method: By adhering to the PRISMA 2020 Statement, seven databases (i.e., PubMed, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, the Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, MEDLINE, Wiley Online Library, and Web of Science) were searched for studies reporting the association between technostress and work–life fit. Results: Out of the 476 articles that were screened, 7 met the established criteria and were subsequently included in this multilevel meta-analytic review. A majority of these studies highlighted the existence and intensity of the association between technostress and work-life fit, as evidenced by multiple Pearson’s r. Our findings supported a medium association (Cohen’s d = −0.41). Noteworthy differences were found when considering the interdependence of effect sizes within and between studies. Conclusion: The results of this multilevel meta-analytic review underscore the significance of understanding this association to inform optimal choices in terms of welfare policies and organizational decisions that promote employee well-being. This knowledge may serve as a scientific foundation for viewing new technologies not merely as hurdles but also as potential resources.