CAN SPIRITUALITY CUSHION THE DIGITAL BLOW? AI, EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING, AND THE MEDIATING POWER OF WORKPLACE SPIRITUALITY

Abstract

This study examines the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Employee Well-Being (EWB). Additionally, it investigates how Workplace Spirituality (WPS) mediates the relationship between these two variables among IT firms in Chandigarh. As AI becomes increasingly important and influential in the workplace, especially in the IT industry, but also throughout all industries, employees are concerned about their job security and how the rise of automated technologies is changing their work environment. Employees in an environment where AI play an important role in daily operations are concerned that the more they depend on machines to perform their day-to-day tasks, the less they will be in contact with their peers and managers, and the longer they will have to work alone, without human interaction. This study connects the two constructs of AI and well-being through the concept of workplace spirituality. The results show that WPS can play a key role in providing a buffer against the negative impact of AI on employee well-being. This study used a descriptive methodology. A computerised questionnaire was designed using a structured format, and data were collected using a five-point Likert scale. Data for the conceptual model were collected and analyzed using Smart PLS 4.0 (Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling). The results showed strong and valid measurement models for convergent and construct validity, reliability, and discriminant validity. The results demonstrate the importance of WPS in linking AI to EWB. Although results from this study indicate AI has a large negative effect on an employee’s EWB