Rapid technological advancements and digitalization have driven significant economic and societal changes, reshaping workplaces and work practices. While most research on workplace digitalization has focused on organizational outcomes, its impact on employees' perceived employability remains underexplored. Previous studies suggest that digitally equipped individuals perceive themselves as more employable. It is therefore important to examine the conditions under which digitalization influences employability. Drawing on Social Capital Theory, social capital may strengthen the positive relationship between digitalization and perceived employability. Age could also moderate this relationship, as older employees often face barriers to adapting to digital tools, potentially weakening its benefits. Lastly, gender may also serve as a moderator, given evidence of persistent gender gaps in digital access, skills, and confidence.
Therefore, this study examined the relationship between the frequency of digital tool use at work and perceived employability, and the moderating roles of social capital, age, and gender.
A two-wave online survey was conducted among 360 Spanish employees (Mage=36.2, SD=10.1; 49.2% females), who completed measures of workplace digitalization, perceived employability, social capital, and demographics.
Multiple regression analyses showed that frequent digital tool use significantly predicted higher perceived employability. Among the proposed moderators, only gender showed a trend-level interaction, indicating a stronger effect of digitalization for men. Social capital had a significant main effect but no moderating role, and age was not a significant moderator.
These findings suggest that digitalization enhances employability perceptions, but not equally across individuals. The results provide both theoretical and practical implications, emphasizing the need for inclusive digital strategies to foster employability in a rapidly changing labor market.