A STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF FOMO AND SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS ON THE WELL-BEING OF GEN Z EMPLOYEES IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Abstract

This study examines the effects of fear of missing out (FOMO) and social connectedness on the well-being of Generation Z employees in Ho Chi Minh City, and tests the mediating role of social connectedness in the relationship between FOMO and well-being. Grounded in self-determination theory, social bonding theory, and social network theory, the study proposes and tests a structural model in the context of the contemporary workplace. Survey data collected from 242 Generation Z employees were analyzed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach with SmartPLS software. The results indicate that FOMO has a negative effect on employee well-being and significantly reduces social connectedness at work. In addition, social connectedness positively influences well-being and plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between FOMO and well-being. The study provides empirical evidence from Vietnam and offers managerial implications for enhancing social connectedness and employee well-being.