Journal of Economics, Entrepreneurship, Management Business and Accounting
Vol 4 No 4 (2026): Volume 4, Issue 4, July 2026

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

Niken Widyastuti (Universitas Proklamasi 45, Indonesia)
Bambang Irjanto (Universitas Proklamasi 45, Indonesia)
Afnina Afnina (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan (STIKes) Bustanul Ulum Langsa, Indonesia)
Yulina Astuti (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Manajemen (STIM) Pase Langsa)
Muhammad Zulkarnain (Politeknik Negeri Sriwijaya, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
17 Jun 2026

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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Journal Info

Abbrev

JEEMBA

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Journal of Economics, Entreprenurship, Management Business and Accounting (JEEMBA) mencakup bidang ekonomi dan keuangan, manajemen bisnis dan akuntansi khususnya bidang akuntansi, manajemen, pasar modal, hukum bisnis, perpajakan, sistem informasi, serta bidang ekonomi dan keuangan lainnya. JEEMBA ...