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Engaging in Non-Work-Related Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Activities for Work Recovery: A Systematic Literature Review

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Savvas PapagiannidisORCiD, Professor Eleftherios AlamanosORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

Abstract

This systematic literature review makes a theoretical contribution by separating the recovery process into two components: non-work-related information and communication technology (ICT) activities and recovery experiences. This distinction helps identify how different activities influence the four work recovery experiences (i.e., psychological detachment, relaxation, mastery, and control) across at-work and off-work contexts. It provides insight into what activity characteristics and user behaviours determine recovery outcomes (i.e., active vs. passive activities, positive vs. negative affect, and usage duration). The paper also explains why different activities may lead to certain recovery dimensions or sometimes impair recovery (e.g., excessive usage, addiction). It further extends theoretical understanding by incorporating non-work antecedents and clarifying inconsistent terminology. In doing so, it deepens our understanding of this phenomenon and reconciles inconsistent findings by reframing apparent paradoxes. This challenges prevailing views that ICTs are detrimental to well-being and productivity, demonstrating that non-work-related ICT activities can facilitate work recovery by replenishing depleted energy and promoting vigour, thereby improving health and work outcomes. Specifically, the review critically synthesises 54 empirical studies identified in the Scopus database from the initial development in 2007 to 2025, holistically mapping the recovery process and its antecedents and outcomes, while proposing a promising research agenda across these three areas. This review indicates that engaging in non-work-related ICT activities that are active and generate positive affect during micro-breaks is most effective for achieving comprehensive recovery. It also offers practical implications by providing actionable guidance for individuals and organisations to enhance health and work-related outcomes.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Guo X, Papagiannidis S, Alamanos E

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: International Journal of Management Reviews

Year: 2026

Pages: Epub ahead of print

Online publication date: 10/09/2026

Acceptance date: 25/08/2026

Date deposited: 25/08/2026

ISSN (print): 1460-8545

ISSN (electronic): 1468-2370

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Ltd

URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.70038

DOI: 10.1111/ijmr.70038

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