PARADIGMS OF EXTENDING DIGITAL COMMUNICATION BEYOND WORK HOURS: PSYCHOLOGICAL BOUNDARIES AND COGNITIVE LOAD FOUNDATIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63034/esr-666Keywords:
digital communication, after-hours communication, cognitive load, psychological boundaries, digital stress, information overload, professional well-being, emotional fatigue, communication cultureAbstract
In modern organizations, the limitless accessibility of digital communication has fostered a culture of connectivity that extends beyond working hours, shaping a new paradigm in labor relations. Continuous contact via email, messengers, corporate platforms, and video conferences blurs the psychological boundaries between employees’ professional and personal spaces, reinforcing the phenomenon of “always being available.” Such constant digital multitasking places excessive informational pressure on the cognitive system, leading to attention instability, emotional fatigue, chronic stress, and decreased productivity, as confirmed by scientific studies. This article examines the psychological mechanisms of after-hours communication, the neuropsychological foundations of cognitive load, and the impact of boundary violations in digital environments on professional well-being. Additionally, the article offers theoretical and practical recommendations for regulating digital communication in organizations, establishing a “right to disconnect” culture, and preserving employees’ cognitive resources.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dauletova Gulnaz Baktiyarovna
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