After Hours Digital Connectivity and Recovery in IT Work: A Focused Conceptual Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2026.v11.n10.001Keywords:
boundary control, digital connectivity, information technology, psychological detachment, recoveryAbstract
Employees can remain occupied with work after scheduled hours even when they exchange few messages. Waiting for a possible request may keep work on their minds without any task being performed. By contrast, an employee who chooses to complete a brief task may be able to put it aside afterwards. The amount of digital contact alone therefore cannot fully explain these differences in recovery. This focused conceptual review examines them in information technology work through research on psychological detachment, availability expectations, boundary control and on-call duties. It considers what contact occurs, who is responsible for responding and whether a response can, in practice, be postponed. The paper develops an analytical comparison of response arrangements and three propositions for further examination. Its contribution is an application of established research to the organisation of after-hours responsibility, with particular attention to the distinction between designated on-call duty and ordinary off-duty time. It suggests that recovery arrangements should specify who is responsible, what requires immediate attention and how other employees can disengage. These proposals require empirical evaluation and should be adapted to the work being performed.
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