Open AccessPrivate ICT-Activities and Emotions at Work – A Swedish Diary Study
Author(s) -
Kristina Palm,
Ann Bergman,
Calle Rosengren
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
nordic journal of working life studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.322
H-Index - 15
ISSN - 2245-0157
DOI - 10.18291/njwls.128552
Subject(s) - work (physics) , information and communications technology , affect (linguistics) , psychology , social psychology , emotion work , public relations , work engagement , political science , engineering , communication , mechanical engineering , law
The boundaries between the work and non-work spheres have been challenged through the rapid development of information and communication technology (ICT). Individuals may easily engage in non-work (family and private) matters at work and during working hours. Prior research on emotions at work tends to understand all emotions at work as work related. By studying non-work matters managed through ICT in a diary study, we suggest that emotions at work are triggered both by work and non-work matters. Our research shows that these emotions can be both positive and negative and may come from actual engagement in private matters, or as a response to a need or a demand to address a private matter. Since emotions affect work performance, for example, we suggest that HR and managers take the causes of workplace emotions into consideration when addressing issues related to emotions at work.