Research on the technostress among Gen-Z workers: Analyze the mediating role of olm strain in between technostress and olm technology characteristics with olm outcomes in gig economy

Abstract

Vietnam’s Generation Z (born 1997-2012) makes up about 25% of the population, with many among the working-age population, presenting significant opportunities for economic growth. The rise of the digital gig economy facilitated by online labor markets (OLMs), which enables self-employment and entrepreneurship through location-independent digital tasks. Our study examines the impacts of technostress on the well-being of Generation Z workers in the digital gig economy, focusing on the mediating role of OLM strain between technology-related stressors, technology characteristics, and their outcomes. The research draws from technostress and job characteristics theories, aligning with the SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Data were collected from 299 university students in Ho Chi Minh City through an online survey. The findings reveal that techno-overload and techno-insecurities contribute to strain, however, contrary to previous studies, the results suggest that strain is not the mediator in the relationship between IT Complexity and any of the OLM outcomes. Thus, IT Complexity does not influence Cognitive well-being or Negative affective well-being indirectly through strain variables, while strain directly affects workers’ positive affective well-being. Based on these results, the study recommends revisiting Vietnam’s digital work policies and OLM management strategies, focusing on worker protection, fostering supportive digital environments, and offering training programs to help gig workers manage technostress effectively.