Checking work mail on vacation? Study reveals troubling side of the digital workplace

Date:


December 22, 2024 04:53 PM IST

It’s convenient to connect through the proliferation of digital tools and devices in the workplace, but this convenience lets you never actually leave work.

With advancements in technology, the way we work has seen unprecedented changes. The digital workspace has undoubtedly become more convenient and accessible, but the hidden costs of the hyperconnected workspace mean that, mentally, no one really leaves work. Every workspace is digital, no matter the type – onsite, hybrid or online. A study by the University of Nottingham published in Frontiers in Organizational Psychology has delved into the dark side of digital work, its challenges and the mental pressure of always being connected to work through digital technology.

Employees feel stressed and have difficulty maintaining constant connectivity through digital devices in a digital workplace. (Shutterstock)
Employees feel stressed and have difficulty maintaining constant connectivity through digital devices in a digital workplace. (Shutterstock)

Also read: Year End 2024: The workplace mental health trends and habits everyone is talking about

Challenges of the digital workplace

No matter the time, disconnecting can feel like a challenge. (Shutterstock)
No matter the time, disconnecting can feel like a challenge. (Shutterstock)

The researchers extensively examined the consequences of interconnected digital workspaces and formulated some key hypotheses based on their observations and experiments. The first concept is Digital Workplace Technology Intensity (DWTI), which captures the extreme strain of mental and emotional effort required to keep up with a hyperconnected work environment.

Employees fear that they will now miss important work-related updates as they are always connected through digital devices. If they don’t respond right away, they’re afraid of what others will say – for example, an employee working from home may worry that others will think, “What are they doing at home?” This puts more pressure on them to always be active and not miss anything. This indicates the prevalence of fear of missing out (FoMO) in this type of workplace. Just the thought of missing an important update keeps employees glued to their devices.

There is also information overload, as they are seamlessly connected through digital tools and apps, and sometimes the bombardment of emails and messages feels overwhelming. This endless flood of emails, meetings, etc. also leads to techno-overwhelming, which causes employees to become stressed.

This shows that while digital technology and devices have revolutionized workplaces by increasing productivity and connectivity, they have also blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, leaving employees extremely tired and actually disengaged from work. Unable to separate. It’s not uncommon for people to check work email in the middle of the night or while on vacation. This hustle culture also leads employees to suffer from productivity anxiety, as they feel pressured to respond to messages immediately, fearing they may be perceived as unproductive.

How to Create a Healthy Digital Workplace

Researchers offer tips to ensure that the digital workspace feels less stressful.

He suggested:

  • skill development: He suggested that employees should be equipped with the support and knowledge to navigate digital tools effectively. This is especially more beneficial for older employees who have a hard time with technology.
  • Border Management: Empowering employees to set and maintain boundaries between work and personal life.
  • Device Access: Simplify and improve digital workplace tools to reduce technical frustration.
  • Personal Perspective: Identify and meet the specific needs and preferences of employees.

Also read: 86% Indian employees are ‘struggling’ or ‘suffering’: Gallup Global Workplace Report 2024

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