AI Awareness as a Workplace Stressor: Examining Emotional Exhaustion Through Job Insecurity and Work–Family Interference

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70301/JOUR/SBS-JABR/2026/14/3/2

Keywords:

AI awareness; emotional exhaustion; job insecurity; work interference with family

Abstract

As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) gradually becomes an integral part of contemporary work settings, the awareness of AI, which can be defined as the extent to which employees feel that their jobs can be replaced by the automated systems, has proven to be a potentially influential factor of affective and psychosocial consequences, such as affective states, work-family balance, and emotional well-being on the whole. The present investigation aims to clarify the mediating variables that relate AI awareness to emotional exhaustion, in particular, the mediating role of perceived job insecurity, work demands, and family obligations. The study used a convenience sample of 303 employees (49.8% men) and conducted hierarchical regression models with bootstrap resampling to investigate mediation. The analytic approach included direct effect, indirect paths of AI awareness to emotional exhaustion and their serial mediation, and then the indirect path of the same to work insecurity and through work-family interference. The results showed that there was a significant positive relationship between AI awareness and emotional exhaustion. Moreover, AI awareness was positively related to perceived job insecurity, which, in turn, was positively related to emotional exhaustion. Parallel analyses indicated that AI awareness was also associated with increased work-family interference, which in turn was associated with increased emotional exhaustion. More importantly, job insecurity and work-family interference sequentially mediated the relationship between AI awareness and emotional exhaustion, suggesting a compounded negative pathway. Such findings highlight the urgent need for organizational leaders to address the twin issues of maintaining job security and achieving a balanced work-life environment, given that AI is being introduced as a source of workplace stress. In practice, it will entail open discussion of AI implementation, the design of overall reskilling programs, and the introduction of flexible working models to help reduce AI-related stressors and protect employees' psychological well-being.

Author Biographies

  • Diyani Balthazaar, Woxsen University, India

    Diyani Balthazaar is an emerging and highly accomplished academic whose career is characterized by a dynamic fusion of rigorous economic research, innovative business management inquiry, and a dedicated passion for teaching. With a robust educational foundation and a prolific record of publications and conference presentations, she has rapidly established herself as a significant voice in contemporary discussions on artificial intelligence, human resource management, and economic development, particularly within the Sri Lankan and South Asian contexts.

    Her academic journey is built upon a solid triad of qualifications. She earned a BA (Hons) in Economics, securing a Second Upper Class from the Eastern University, Sri Lanka, which provided her with a fundamental understanding of economic principles. This was followed by a Master of Business Administration (MBA), which she passed with merit from the prestigious Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) in Sri Lanka, equipping her with advanced managerial and strategic skills. Currently, she is advancing the frontiers of knowledge as a PhD candidate in Business at Woxsen University in Hyderabad, India, where her research is poised to contribute significantly to the field. Complementing these core degrees, Dr. Balthazaar has proactively pursued professional qualifications, including becoming an AAT Qualified accountant and earning diplomas in Computerized Accounting, Sinhala, Human Resource Management, and Office Management, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and multidisciplinary expertise.

    Diyani Balthazaar's professional experience reflects a versatile and rapidly ascending career trajectory. She currently holds multiple influential positions concurrently. As the Head of International Relations at the International College of Applied Studies (ICAS) in Anuradhapura, she is instrumental in managing international partnerships, fostering student exchanges, and building global research collaborations. Simultaneously, she serves as a Graduate Trainee at the Faculty of Technology, Eastern University, and as a Visiting Lecturer at both Al-Mustafa International University, Colombo, and ICAS. In her lecturing roles, she imparts knowledge in critical subjects such as Economics, Business Environment, and Statistics, shaping the next generation of business leaders and economists. Her industry experience is further solidified through her role as a Human Resource Manager & Project Assistant at Wins Pvt Ltd, where she gained hands-on experience in recruitment and employee relations. This blend of academic and professional practice enriches her teaching and research with real-world relevance.

    Perhaps the most striking aspect of Diyani Balthazaar's profile is her extraordinary research output and scholarly contributions. She is a prolific writer and researcher with a rapidly growing portfolio of publications, book chapters, and conference presentations. Her research interests are strategically aligned with global trends, focusing on the intersection of technology and business. A significant portion of her recent work explores Artificial Intelligence, evidenced by publications and presentations such as "AI-Powered Pedagogy: A Model for Innovation in Teaching and Learning," "Responsible AI in the Global Context: Maturity Model and Survey," and "Artificial Intelligence Maturity Model: A Systematic Literature Review." This focus on AI extends to her book chapters, including "Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Education" and "The Power of BI and AI in Quick Decision Making," positioning her at the forefront of this transformative field.

    Concurrently, she maintains a strong research stream in Economics and Human Resource Management. Her published works investigate critical issues such as "An Investigation of Factors Affecting the Balance of Trade in Sri Lanka," "Macroeconomic Variables and Stock Market Performance," and "Factors Affecting Mobile Banking Adoption." In the HRM domain, her research delves into "Digital Technology and Human Resource Practices" and "The Employee Green Behavior of Green Transformational Leadership," linking HR strategies to sustainability and digital transformation. She has also authored a book, "Contemporary Economic Crisis in Sri Lanka," published by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Eastern Province, demonstrating her commitment to addressing pressing national economic challenges.

    Her scholarly impact is further amplified by her active participation in the international academic community. Diyani Balthazaar is a frequent presenter at conferences across India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, including events at NSBM Green University, IIT Madras, and Metharath University. The quality and relevance of her research have been consistently recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Young Researcher Award, Best Paper Award (at both the ICIRD and ICLTI conferences), and the Young Emerging Lecturer Award. Her expertise is also sought after for keynote addresses, as seen at the 4th Harmony Innovation International Conference at D Y Patil B-School in Pune, India.

    As an educator, Diyani Balthazaar possesses a wide-ranging teaching expertise that covers essential areas such as Research Methodology, Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, Microeconomics, and Human Resource Management. She is proficient in using statistical software packages like E-Views, SPSS, and Stata, and has conducted workshops on research methods using E-Views for institutions like the Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University (TNTEU), underscoring her ability to translate complex analytical techniques into accessible knowledge.

    Beyond her formal roles, Diyani Balthazaar is an active member of the academic ecosystem, serving as an Administration Member and Writer for the Thumi Foundation. Her work has also ventured into more literary realms, with contributions to anthologies and essay competitions, revealing a multifaceted intellectual persona.

    In summary, Diyani Balthazaar is a formidable and rapidly rising scholar. Her unique blend of deep economic insight, cutting-edge research in AI and HRM, extensive teaching experience, and proven professional management skills makes her a valuable asset to the academic community. With a proven track record of high-impact research, international collaboration, and a clear dedication to innovation in education, she is a scholar poised to make continued and significant contributions to her fields of expertise in the years to come. Her profile is not just one of past achievements, but a promising indicator of future leadership in academia and beyond.

     

  • Radna Andi Wibowo, Woxsen University, India

    Radna Andi Wibowo is an Indonesian academic, researcher, and author specializing in business, management, and sustainability-related studies. He is associated with higher education institutions in Indonesia, where he serves as a lecturer and contributes to academic research in areas such as marketing, business communication, and organizational studies.

    He has authored several academic books, including Komunikasi Bisnis (Business Communication) and Manajemen Pemasaran (Marketing Management), which focus on workplace dynamics, communication strategies, and marketing principles in modern organizations.

    In addition to his teaching and writing, Wibowo has contributed to international scholarly publications. His recent research includes studies on higher education and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly examining the awareness and behavior of academic staff toward sustainability initiatives.

    His research interests broadly encompass sustainable development, human resource development, organizational behavior, and the role of education in addressing global challenges. Through his academic work, he contributes to advancing knowledge on how institutions and individuals can align with sustainability goals and evolving economic demands.

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Published

05.05.2026

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Vol. 14 No. 3 (2026)

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How to Cite

AI Awareness as a Workplace Stressor: Examining Emotional Exhaustion Through Job Insecurity and Work–Family Interference. (2026). SBS Journal of Applied Business Research, 14(3), 28-41. https://doi.org/10.70301/JOUR/SBS-JABR/2026/14/3/2

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