Redefining Social Support: The Effect of Digital Technologies on the Social Support of Older Workers. A Scoping Review

Introduction: The rapid digitalisation of workplaces has created challenges and opportunities for older workers. This scoping review examines how digital technologies impact social support for older workers, focusing on emotional, informational, and instrumental support within professional environments. Social support is critical for enhancing well-being and sustaining productivity, especially in ageing workforces, yet the effects of digitalisation on social support dynamics remain underexplored. Methods This review follows Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines for a scoping review. A comprehensive search strategy was employed across databases like ERIH, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed from anytime to 2023 to identify peer-reviewed studies involving digital technologies used by older workers, generally considered as workers aged 50 years or older. Covidence software facilitated the screening of over 5000 scientific papers, study selection, and data extraction, and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) assessed quality. Data synthesis encompassed descriptive statistics and narrative analysis. Results Out of the 43 selected studies, findings indicate that digital technologies facilitate multiple types of social support. Remote work technology, messaging apps, and telemedicine enhance implicit and explicit social support, such as emotional connections and informational exchanges. However, digitalisation also introduces challenges, with some older workers experiencing isolation and technostress, highlighting the need for targeted digital literacy support. Discussion The findings of this scoping review highlight the dual impact of digital technologieson social support for older workers. While technologies like remote work platforms and messaging apps facilitate emotional connections and information sharing, they can also lead to technostress or even isolate older workers. Implementing tailored digital literacy programs and providing sustained managerial support are essential to help older employees effectively navigate these technologies, thereby enhancing their well-being and productivity in the workplace.