The Human Cost of Hyperconnectivity: Reviewing the Link between Digital Communication and Employee Mental Wellbeing

Abstract

In today’s hyperconnected workplace, digital communication has become essential for collaboration and productivity but also a major source of psychological strain. Employees’ continuous exposure to digital platforms often leads to technostress, information overload, and blurred work–life boundaries, affecting their overall mental wellbeing. This study aims to review and analyse how digital communication influences employee mental wellbeing using Scopus AI as an analytical tool. The study identifies key research areas, constructs a concept map to visualise thematic relationships, and highlights topic experts and emerging trends in the field. Findings reveal that digital communication can both enhance and impair wellbeing, while it promotes flexibility, autonomy, and collaboration, it simultaneously contributes to digital fatigue and stress when mismanaged. Organisational support, digital literacy, and mindfulness are found to mitigate negative outcomes by fostering resilience and trust. Theoretically, the study extends the Job Demands–Resources (JD–R) model and technostress theory to explain how digital demands and resources shape mental health. Practically, it recommends that organisations develop structured digital communication policies, promote digital disconnection, and strengthen leadership empathy to maintain a healthy digital culture. Overall, the study underscores the need for human-centred digital practices to balance connectivity with mental wellbeing.