The impact of communication software usage on work engagement in remote work: the mediating role of distraction and FOMO

With the increasing demand for work-life balance and the development of information technology, remote work has become a widely adopted work mode, which has made communication software the primary means of communication for employees. However, previous research has not fully explored the impact of communication software usage (CSU) in remote work on work engagement, which is a crucial factor influencing employee performance. Therefore, this study, based on the Job Demands-Resources Theory, investigated the effects and mechanisms of CSU on work engagement in remote work. We collected a single time-point data set of 519 individuals with remote working experience and a dual time-point data set of 325 individuals in China. The results obtained from both datasets are consistent and indicate the following: (1) CSU in remote work has a significant negative impact on employee work engagement. (2) Distraction and fear of missing out (FOMO) mediate the relationship between CSU in remote work and work engagement respectively. (3) Intrinsic motivation moderates the negative effects of distraction and FOMO on work engagement. When employees have high intrinsic motivation, the negative effects of CSU in remote work through distraction and FOMO on work engagement diminishes. This study contributes to the research on the outcomes of CSU in remote work, deepens the understanding of the underlying mechanisms linking CSU and work engagement, and expands the knowledge of their boundary conditions.