Introduction: Constant connectivity and after-hours work demands are central
challenges of digital transformations, impacting recovery and work-life conflict
(WLC; Cho et al., 2020). Conversely, digital competencies may help reduce
work-life spillover (Christensen & Treas, 2024). Understanding the interplay of
technological demands and resources in the work-life interface is essential for
sustainable digitalization (Trenerry et al., 2021).
Purpose: This study aims to: (1) identify digital adaptation profiles based on
after-hours technology-assisted job demands (off-TAJD), digital competencies
(DC), and leisure-time technology engagement (LTE); (2) examine transitions
between profiles over time; and (3) assess predictors and outcomes in terms of
recovery and work-life conflict.
Method: A two-wave longitudinal study (3-month interval) was conducted
involving 144 workers from the general population (52% women, Mage = 41.62)
using an online self-report questionnaire. Latent transition analysis was
performed in Mplus. Relationships were analyzed using multinomial logistic
regression and path analysis.
Results: Four profiles emerged: (1) Balanced - moderate off-TAJD, average
DC/LTE; (2) Integrated - low off-TAJD, high DC/LTE; (3) Disengaged - low off
TAJD/DC, moderate LTE; (4) Overloaded - high on all three indicators. Lower
detachment and higher WLC at Time 1 predicted a higher likelihood of
transitioning from Integrated to Balanced, while high control increased it.
Staying in the Integrated profile predicted higher detachment at Time 2,
whereas remaining Overloaded predicted increased work-life conflict and lower
detachment. Transitions from Balanced to Disengaged and from Integrated to
Balanced/Disengaged predicted lower WLC. Mastery was lower in transitions
from Overloaded to Balanced and higher in those from Disengaged to
Integrated.
Conclusion: The person-centered longitudinal approach and the integration of
technological resources rarely studied concerning organisational well-being
offer a granular view of digital exposure trajectories and their effects on the
work-life interface.
Keywords: Digital transformation, Work-life conflict, Recovery, Digital
competences, Latent Transition Analysis