The Impact of Remote Work on Emotional Intelligence among Public Servants in Ghana

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and remote work on employees' emotional intelligence (EI) within organisational settings. Utilizing frameworks such as technological acceptance, social cognitive theory, and emotional labor, this research elucidates the ways in which emotional regulation and social interaction are influenced by technology design and organisational practices. Technological advancements have markedly transformed emotional capacity and workplace relationships. While EI enhances empathy and self-awareness, it also presents challenges such as technostress, emotional exhaustion, and reduced face-to-face interaction. This study considers AI, remote work, and EI as interconnected phenomena within the sociology of the workplace. Employing face-to-face interviews with public sector workers in Ghana and a comprehensive literature review, the data were analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that well-integrated AI can enhance emotional capabilities, whereas poor implementation may undermine emotional autonomy and social cohesion. The study proposes human-centered AI governance and emotionally informed Human Resource (HR) policies, advocating for EI training to align with AI adoption to foster resilience and innovation in digital workspaces, thereby ensuring organizational efficiency and effectiveness.