Digital Work Pressure, Workplace Well-Being, and Retention Intention among Generation Z Employees: A Qualitative Study

Niken Widyastuti; Bambang Irjanto; Afnina Afnina; Yulina Astuti; Muhammad Zulkarnain

doi:10.61255/jeemba.v4i4.1063

Authors

Niken Widyastuti Universitas Proklamasi 45, Indonesia
Bambang Irjanto Universitas Proklamasi 45, Indonesia
Afnina Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan (STIKes) Bustanul Ulum Langsa, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5903-8431
Yulina Astuti Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Manajemen (STIM) Pase Langsa
Muhammad Zulkarnain Politeknik Negeri Sriwijaya, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61255/jeemba.v4i4.1063

Keywords:

digital work pressure, digital work environments, generation z, retention intention, workplace well-being

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to explore the experiences of Generation Z employees within digital work environments, focusing specifically on digital work pressure, workplace well-being, and retention intention.

Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative approach utilizing an exploratory design and a constructivist paradigm was employed. Data were gathered through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 Generation Z employees working in digitally-based organizations in Yogyakarta. Participants were selected via purposive sampling, and the data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings/Results: The analysis identified four core themes: (1) digital work pressure as a normalized strain within digital work cultures; (2) constant connectivity and the blurring lines between work and personal life; (3) the ambivalent effects of digital work pressure on productivity and mental exhaustion; and (4) workplace well-being as an interpretive mechanism in shaping retention intention. While digital technology is perceived to enhance flexibility and productivity, continuous connectivity induces mental fatigue and challenges work-life balance. The intent to remain within an organization is evaluated through the quality of work experiences, organizational support, self-development opportunities, and work-life harmony.

Originality/Value: This study enriches the literature on the digital work experiences of Generation Z and offers practical insights for organizations to design digital work policies that support employee well-being and reinforce retention.

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