The relationship between AI awareness and thriving at work: exploring the moderated mediation model

Purpose Drawing on the socially embedded model of thriving and the conservation of resources model, this study aims to investigate the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) awareness, seen as a hindrance stressor, and thriving at work. In particular, it explores how AI anxiety mediates this relationship and how self-efficacy moderates the mediating effect. Design/methodology/approach To securitize the study hypotheses, data were obtained from banking employees via an electronic questionnaire, yielding 320 valid responses. The proposed model relationships were assessed through partial least squares structural equation modeling and process analysis. Findings The results uncover that while AI awareness is not significantly linked to vitality, it is negatively correlated with learning. Furthermore, AI anxiety mediates the direct influence that AI awareness has on dimensions of thriving at work. In addition, self-efficacy acts as a buffer, mitigating the adverse indirect influence of AI awareness on thriving at work through AI anxiety. Practical implications This study highlights the need for organizations adopting AI-driven systems to execute‎ initiatives that mitigate AI-induced stress, thereby fostering employee thriving. It is recommended that organizations offer targeted training and digital literacy programs, alongside interventions designed to enhance self-efficacy, to bolster employee well-being amid rapid technological change. Originality/value This study highlights the need for organizations adopting AI-driven systems to execute‎ initiatives that mitigate AI-induced stress, thereby fostering employee thriving. It is recommended that organizations offer targeted training and revise their role descriptions, alongside interventions designed to enhance self-efficacy, to bolster employee well-being amid rapid technological change.