Navigating Ostracism Behavior and Workplace Isolation in the IoT Era : A Mindfulness-Based Intervention Approach for Employee Well-Being
Authors
-
Aparna Vajpayee
Professor (Corresponding Author), School of Liberal Arts and Management, P. P. Savani University, NH 8, GETCO, Near Biltech, Dhamdod, Kosamba, Surat - 394 125, Gujarat
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4616-8194
-
Arun Kumar
Research Scholar, P. P. Savani University, NH 8, GETCO, Near Biltech, Dhamdod, Kosamba, Surat - 394 125, Gujarat
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1709-0044
- Parag Sanghani Provost & Professor, P. P. Savani University, NH 8, GETCO, Near Biltech, Dhamdod, Kosamba, Surat - 394 125, Gujarat
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2025/v18i11/173866Keywords:
Internet of Things (IoT), workplace ostracism, employee well-being, mindfulness, digital age, intervention.JEL Classification Codes : M12, M54, O33
Publication Chronology: Paper Submission Date : October 25, 2024 ; Paper sent back for Revision : August 5, 2025 ; Paper Acceptance Date : September 10, 2025 ; Paper Published Online : November 15, 2025
Abstract
Purpose : This study investigated the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT)-driven monitoring on employee ostracism and evaluated the effectiveness of a structured mindfulness program in mitigating exclusion and distress.
Design/Methodology/Approach : A quasi-experimental design was employed with 40 employees (25–45 years old) from the technology, manufacturing, and finance industries. Participants underwent an eight-week mindfulness program (90 minutes/week, hybrid delivery) including psychoeducation, counseling, mindfulness practices, and social integration. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) was used, and data were analyzed using SEM in AMOS.
Findings : The intervention was successful in increasing mindfulness facets (observing, describing, and awareness), reducing ostracism by 30%, reducing stress by 40%, and increasing social connectedness by 35%. SEM verified that mindfulness facets mediated the reduction of ostracism and emotional distress, thereby increasing collaboration and empowerment.
Practical Implications : The findings could be applied to HR intervention plans, leadership training, and workplace regulations to combat technostress and digital exclusion in Industry 5.0 workplaces.
Originality/Value : This research distinguished digital ostracism from its offline counterpart and proposed mindfulness as a viable intervention to bolster employee wellness in Internet-of-Things work settings.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
References
1) Anusuah, R. (2023). Handling ostracism with social media - A meta-analysis. Journal for ReAttach Therapy and Developmental Diversities, 6(9s), 770–775. https://jrtdd.com/index.php/journal/article/view/1638
2) Arora, R. (2022). Relationship between flexible work arrangements, well-being, and performance of employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 15(2), 8–23. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2022/v15i2/168332
3) Baer, R. A., Smith, G. T., Hopkins, J., Krietemeyer, J., & Toney, L. (2006). Using self-report assessment methods to explore facets of mindfulness. Assessment, 13(1), 27–45. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073191105283504
4) Bagir, A., Emre, O., Birgul, C. H., & Ulutas, A. (2020). The relationship between social exclusion (ostracism) and internet addiction of adolescent girls. Research in Pedagogy, 10(1), 50–65. https://doi.org/10.5937/IstrPed2001050B
5) Barik, P., Uprety, M., Mohapatra, A. K., & Savitha, G. R. (2025). Impact of supervisor's support on job performance: Mediating role of idiosyncratic deals and prosocial motivation. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 18(1), 43–62. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2025/v18i1/174107
6) Biswas, W., & Chakraborty, D. (2019). Impact of organizational values, compassion, and well-being on industrial disputes: An empirical study. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 12(1), 36–51. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2019/v12i1/141427
7) Chakraborty, D. K., Roy, D., Ghosal, M., & Vajpayee, A. (2017). Ethical idealism of Buddhism and its influence on Gross National Happiness in manufacturing industries of Bhutan. IOSR Journal of Business and Management, 19(12), 1–7. https://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jbm/papers/Vol19-issue12/Version-1/A1912010107.pdf
8) Chandel, S., Chanda, K., & Chandel, K. (2023). Factors influencing organizational commitment, job involvement, and work-life balance among employees of banks: An analysis. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 16(7), 43–58. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2023/v16i7/172927
9) Chen, Z., Poon, K.-T., Jiang, T., & Teng, F. (2025). Psychosocial and behavioural consequences of ostracism across contexts. Nature Reviews Psychology, 4, 112–126. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-024-00393-y
10) Das, S., Pathomphatthaphan, S., Jena, L. K., & Priyadarshini, R. G. (2025). Do employee–organizational outcomes contribute to societal shared values and sustainable business growth? Evidence from expatriates of India and Thailand. International Journal of Emerging Markets, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOEM-03-2024-0411
11) Devnani, S., Vajpayee, A., Roy, S., & Sanghani, P. (2022). Neurological syndrome of anxiety and depression as an outcome of nomophobia. Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results, 13(SupplI_7), 7768–7774. https://www.pnrjournal.com/index.php/home/article/view/9276
12) Dinesh, T. K., & Shetty, A. (2023). Effectiveness of dispositional mindfulness on mental health markers and well-being in employees of the service industry: A systematic evidence synthesis. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 16(10), 8–31. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2023/v16i10/171900
13) Ferris, D. L., Brown, D. J., Berry, J. W., & Lian, H. (2008). The development and validation of the workplace ostracism scale. Journal of Applied Psychology, 93(6), 1348–1366. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0012743
14) Hemavathi, G. P., & Justus, F. S. (2023). Flexibility culture, person–job fit, and job benefits as predictors of eudaimonic workplace well-being and turnover intention of employees. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 16(10), 46–60. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2023/v16i10/171900
15) Holte, A. J., Fisher, W. N., & Ferraro, F. R. (2022). Afraid of social exclusion: Fear of missing out predicts cyberball-induced ostracism. Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, 7(3), 315–324. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-022-00251-9
16) Jain, E., Vajpayee, A., & Sanghani, P. (2023). Beauty ideals and beyond: Understanding the impact of negative body image on adolescent self-esteem and interventions. Korea Review of International Studies, 16(51), 44–69. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375925735
17) Jain, E., Vajpayee, A., & Sanghani, P. (2024). Dynamics of physical attractiveness: Exploring the halo effect and self-presentation theory in social media. In 2024 International Conference on Intelligent & Innovative Practices in Engineering & Management (IIPEM) (pp. 1–6). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/IIPEM62726.2024.10925749
18) Ji, Y., Li, F., Lou, W., Liu, H., & Li, G. (2025). Friend or foe in the eyes of the beholder? How and when LMX increases and decreases workplace ostracism. Chinese Management Studies, 19(2), 461–488. https://doi.org/10.1108/CMS-07-2023-0364
19) Joshi, A., Kumar, D., & Shabnam. (2024). Work-life balance as mediator between workplace spirituality, organizational commitment, and job satisfaction. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 17(11), 23–40. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2024/v17i11/174021
20) Joshi, S., Vajpayee, A., & Mishra, R. C. (2005). Community mental health and psychological interventions. Social Science International, 21(2), 103.
21) Kavaklı, M. (2025). Investigating the relationships between excessive Instagram usage, perceived ostracism, and personality traits. Current Research in Social Sciences, 11(1), 104–127. https://doi.org/10.30613/curesosc.1514616
22) Knausenberger, J., Giesen-Leuchter, A., & Echterhoff, G. (2022). Feeling ostracized by others' smartphone use: The effect of phubbing on fundamental needs, mood, and trust. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.883901
23) Kumar, N., & Kumar, S. (2025). Workplace ostracism as a determinant of organizational commitment among teachers. Mind and Society, 14(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.56011/mind-mri-141-20251
24) Lakshminarayanan, S., Pai, Y. P., & Ramaprasad, B. S. (2016). Managerial competencies, self efficacy, and job performance: A path analytic approach. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 9(10), 7–22. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2016/v9i10/103068
25) Luo, L., Zhan, Y., Hu, X., Zhou, J., & Li, H. (2025). How cyber-ostracism ignites the flame of aggression: A moderated mediation study in Chinese college students. International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 27(4), 541–559. https://doi.org/10.32604/ijmhp.2025.061043
26) Patwari, P., & Vajpayee, A. (2022). A study of attachment style, neuroticism and emotional eating among young adults. The British Journal of Administrative Management, 58(156), 247–256. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366544728
27) Patwari, P., & Vajpayee, A. (2024). Exploring the interplay of educational social media usage, procrastination, and subjective well-being in the context of Industry 5.0 education. In S. Tripathi & J. Rosak-Szyrocka (eds.), Impact of artificial intelligence on society (1st ed.). Chapman and Hall/CRC. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781032644509-8/
28) Saxena, A., & Srivastava, S. (2023). Is cyberloafing an outcome of supervisor phubbing: Examining the roles of workplace ostracism and psychological detachment. International Journal of Business Communication. https://doi.org/10.1177/23294884231172194
29) Shinde, O., & Banerjee, S. (2025). A systematic literature review of workplace ostracism on employee outcomes. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5249072
30) Sidhu, A., Bhalla, P., & Nazneen, A. (2020). Impact of workplace romance on organizational settings and policies: Review research. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 13(5–7), 44–57. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2020/v13i5-7/153081
31) Singh, R. K. (2013). Corporate social responsibility: A business solution for sustainable and inclusive development. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 6(12), 5–17. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2013/v6i12/60049
32) Srivastava, S., Khan, M., Kumari, A., & Jain, A. K. (2024). Does workplace ostracism lead to workplace withdrawal? Testing the moderating-mediating effects of rumination and mindfulness in the Indian hospitality industry. Journal of Organizational Effectiveness: People and Performance, 11(4), 873–891. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOEPP-08-2023-0328
33) Subha, K., & Babu, C. N. (2024). Influence of organizational culture on organizational effectiveness in higher educational institutions: Ownership as a moderator. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 17(5), 41–59. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2024/v17i5/173481
34) Sun, X., Zhang, Y., Niu, G., Tian, Y., Xu, L., & Duan, C. (2021). Ostracism and problematic smartphone use: The mediating effect of social self-efficacy and moderating effect of rejection sensitivity. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 21, 1334–1347. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-021-00661-5
35) Vajpayee, A., & Ramachandran, K. K. (2019). Reconnoitring artificial intelligence in knowledge management. International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering, 8(7C), 114–117. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358233983
36) Vajpayee, A., Sanghani, P., Chakraborty, D. K., & Jain, A. K. (2022). Doctrine of GNH and employee employer relationship: A study of manufacturing industries of Bhutan. Korea Review of International Studies, 15(39), 23–38. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365361719
37) Vajpayee, A. (2017a). A comparative study of organizational culture in Indian multinationals and foreign multinationals of India. The International Journal of Indian Psychology, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.25215/0501.052
38) Vajpayee, A. (2017b). Impact of visual literacy skill program on visual literacy of deprived children and non-deprived children. Likars'ka Sprava, 7, 75–80. https://doi.org/10.31640/LS-2017(7)15
39) Vajpayee, A. (2017c). A comparative study of organizational culture in Indian multinationals and foreign multinationals of India. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 4(3), 112–122. https://doi.org/10.25215/0501.052
40) Vajpayee, A. (2023). Intervention studies for mental health: A comprehensive exploration of historical evolution, theoretical foundations, and contemporary applications. Journal of Mental Health Issues and Behavior, 3(5), 21–33. https://doi.org/10.55529/jmhib.35.21.33
41) Vajpayee, A. (2024). Traditional pedagogy to technetronic education: A paradigm shift in Industry 5.0. In M. Abouhawwash, K. Rosak-Szyrocka, & S. K. Gupta (eds.), Aspects of quality management in value creating in the Industry 5.0 way (1st ed.). CRC Press. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781032677040-11/
42) Vajpayee, A., Devnani, S., & Sanghani, P. (2023). Social isolation, self-aloofness during COVID-19 and its impact on mobile phone addictions among teenagers. Korea Review of International Studies, 16(45), 60–70. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382528800
43) Vajpayee, A., & Chakraborty, D. K. (2017). The societal culture of Bhutan and its impact on organizational culture industrial relation and employee satisfaction in manufacturing companies of Bhutan. IOSR Journal of Business and Management, 19(9), 1–7.
44) Vajpayee, A., & Karthick, K. K. (2019). Organizational pyramid and size as a moderator variable in manufacturing industries of Bhutan. International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering, 8(7S2), 503–509. https://www.ijitee.org/wp-content/uploads/papers/v8i7s2/G10850587S219.pdf
45) Vajpayee, A., Verma, A., & Sanghani, P. (2023). Transforming organizations with Buddhism and spiritual leadership in Bhutan. World Journal of Management and Economics, 16(7), 1–12.
46) Vajpayee, A., & Sanghani, P. (2023). Transforming organizations with Buddhism and spiritual leadership in Bhutan. World Journal of Management and Economics, 16(7), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S311456
47) Vajpayee, A., Patwari, P., & Sanghani, P. (2023). An approach to study the effectiveness of conflicts resolution policy of HR redressal committee. The Seybold Report, 18(1), 2389–2399. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/A3MKH
48) Varma, A., Vajpayee, A., & Sanghani, P. (2024). Organizational culture of Industry 5.0: Exploration analysis in multinational and national companies. In 2024 International Conference on Intelligent & Innovative Practices in Engineering & Management (IIPEM) (pp. 1–6). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/IIPEM62726.2024.10925718
49) Wang, T., Mu, W., Li, X., Gu, X., & Duan, W. (2022). Cyber-ostracism and well-being: A moderated mediation model of need satisfaction and psychological stress. Current Psychology, 41, 4931–4941. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-00997-6
50) Wang, Y., & Fan, C. (2025). The mechanism of fun activities weakening the impact of workplace ostracism: A mediated moderation model. Systems, 13(6), 492. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13060492
51) Wang, Y., & Zhang, D. (2025). Motivated ostracism and aggressive behavior: Effect of dehumanization and locus of control. Personality and Individual Differences, 241, Article ID 113173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2025.113173
52) Xu, C., Xie, X., & Tang, Y. (2025). More cyber-ostracism, less prosocial behaviours? Longitudinal associations between cyber-ostracism and prosocial behaviors in Chinese adolescents. Journal of Children and Media, 19(1), 107–125. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482798.2024.2402267
