The availability requirements and individuals’ need to stay connected through work devices have contributed to an ‘always-on’ culture of constant connectivity, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. While past studies have typically conceptualised constant connectivity as a behavioural phenomenon, they have overlooked the psychological state/experience associated with today’s 24/7 connected work environment. Therefore, this study aims to (a) clarify the conceptual ambiguity surrounding constant connectivity, (b) examine its antecedents and outcomes in relation to autonomous and controlled motivation, and (c) assess its impact on employee well-being. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. This review proposes a theory-driven definition of constant connectivity and reframes the existing unidimensional construct into a two-dimensional construct—connectivity behaviour and psychological state—for greater conceptual clarity. The antecedents and outcomes of autonomous and controlled motivation for connectivity are also subsequently outlined.

Keywords

Constant connectivity, employee well-being, mobile devices, motivation and systematic literature review.