Technostress and the smart hospitality employee

Purpose This study aims to provide a response to calls for research on the consequences of technostress among employees in smart hotels. Based on the person–environment fit and job demands–resources theories, the authors offer a theoretical framework and investigate how factors affect employees’ well-being and performance. Further, the authors investigate the moderating effects of organizational learning on the relationship between technostress and employee well-being and performance. Design/methodology/approach The authors developed and empirically tested a research model based on a survey of 454 respondents in China. The effect of technostress was analyzed by applying the use of partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings The results support that technostress negatively affects employee well-being (e.g. engagement and overall well-being) and performance. Employee well-being mediates the relationship between technostress and performance. Organizational learning has a countervailing moderating impact on employee well-being and performance. Specifically, organizational learning significantly counteracts the relationship between technostress and performance while significantly exacerbating the relationship between technostress and engagement. Practical implications This study contributes to an enhanced understanding of technostress in smart hotels and provides practical recommendations for assisting hotel managers in improving employee well-being and performance. Originality/value This work represents an early attempt to investigate the impact of technostress on employee well-being and performance in smart hotels. The countervailing moderating effect of organizational learning on employee engagement and performance is identified. In addition, this study is an initial attempt at estimating the predictive contribution of the mediating effects of employee engagement and overall well-being in the relationship between technostress and employee performance in smart hotels.