Workplace loneliness, ego depletion and cyberloafing: can leader problem-focused interpersonal emotion management help?

Purpose This study aims to explore whether and how workplace loneliness leads cyberloafing the role of leader problem-focused interpersonal emotion management in buffering this relationship. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on ego depletion theory, authors propose that employees' via depletion, while (i.e. leadership behavior targeted at managing negative emotions) can help alleviate situation. To test study’s predictions, collected multisource data three time points from a sample 219 employee–colleague dyads. Findings The results show is positively related mediates Leader weakens relationship between indirect such above relationships are weak (versus strong) when high low). Originality/value suggest an important hidden danger because lonely employees suffer more depletion. Leaders' strategy serves as potential buffer for effect.