Connected yet constrained: advice network, after-hours enterprise social media use and work–family conflict

Purpose As enterprise social media (ESM) becomes progressively embedded within workplace ecosystems, employees often engage with ESM beyond regular working hours to maintain work-related connections. However, concerns are growing regarding the risk that such constant connectivity via ESM may obscure the boundaries between work and family domains and potentially undermine work–family balance. Building on the social network perspective and the boundary theory, this study examines how workplace social networks shape after-hours ESM communication and consequently influence work-to-family conflict (WFC). Design/methodology/approach This study gathered multi-source data, encompassing demographic profiles, survey responses and digital trace records, from all employees in an information technology company. We employed a mixed-methods approach that combined structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the proposed hypotheses with qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to corroborate and extend the SEM findings. Findings Results show that advice-giving ties are positively associated with both after-hours conveyance and convergence communication on ESM, whereas advice-seeking ties do not exhibit significant effects. Notably, after-hours convergence communication on ESM has a positive effect on WFC, whereas conveyance communication does not exhibit a significant effect. Originality/value This study elucidates the unintended negative consequences of after-hours ESM use. Our findings show that this technology-mediated behavior, shaped by workplace social relationships, can intensify WFC. In addition, the study offers practical implications for organizations to manage after-hours ESM use and provide tailored support for employees susceptible to work–family conflict, ultimately fostering a workplace that promotes a healthier work–family balance.