Technostress and work engagement in the ICT industry: the role of work–life balance and employee moonlighting

Purpose The purpose of this study is to consider the effect of technostress on work engagement within information and communication technology (ICT) sector, with a particular focus on the mediating role of work–life balance and the moderating impact of moonlighting of employees. Using the job demands–resources (JD–R) theory, the paper aims to push the knowledge on the interaction of job demands to influence employee engagement in digital workplaces. Design/methodology/approach Survey data were collected from 354 ICT Vietnamese employees, both single-job and moonlighting employees, in November 2024–March 2025. The hypothesis regarding the relationships between the proposed variables, technostress, work-life balance, moonlighting and work engagement, was tested using structural equation modelling and PROCESS analysis. Findings Results revealed that three technostress dimensions (techno-overload, techno-insecurity and techno-invasion) significantly reduce work engagement and both direct and indirect through diminished work-life balance. In addition to that, moonlighting amplifies the adverse effects of technostress since it increases resource depletion and the indirect effect of technostress to disengagement. Originality/value The paper adds to the JD–R theory by illustrating how job demand x job demand interrelations affect employee engagement and find the work–life balance one of the most important personal resources in the technology-filled environment. The results provide useful directions to ICT organisations and policy makers to help minimise digital overload, control the forces of moonlighting and support recovery practices to maintain employee engagement.