Eighty percent of modern workers report feeling pressure to stay connected to work outside regular hours. This persistent state of hyperconnectivity, fueled by digital workplace demands, is taking a toll on employees’ mental and physical health, according to a new study from the University of Nottingham. Published in Frontiers in Organizational Psychology, the research sheds light on the dark side of digital working. Researchers examined how hyperconnectivity strains employee well-being, uncovering how factors like technical glitches, message overload, and application fatigue contribute to workplace stress and burnout.
The Dark Side of Digital Work
While digital tools offer flexibility and collaboration opportunities, they also introduce unique challenges. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 professionals across various industries. Participants were asked about their perceptions and experiences of digital workplace job demands and their impacts on their health. The study then identified five key challenges or “dispositional themes” that highlight how digital workplace demands affect employee well-being.
Hyperconnectivity
The digital age has made it easier than ever to stay connected, but this constant connectivity comes at a cost. Employees often feel they need to be available at all times, checking emails and messages even after work ends. This erodes work-life boundaries, creating a persistent state of stress. As one participant explained, “[It’s] just more difficult to leave it behind when it’s all online, and you can kind of jump on and do work at any time of the day or night.”
Techno-Overwhelm
The sheer volume of emails, apps, and virtual meetings is leaving workers feeling bombarded. Many struggle to focus as they juggle competing demands. One participant likened their daily experience to “a battle” against the constant flood of notifications. This overload not only hampers productivity but also takes a toll on mental health, contributing to feelings of frustration and exhaustion. Previous studies have also shown that techno-overwhelm can also elevate cortisol levels and blood pressure, significantly affecting physical health as well.
Digital Workplace Hassles
Technology is meant to make work easier, but frequent glitches, confusing platforms, and slow systems often do the opposite. These technical issues add stress and anxiety to employees’ lives, especially for older or less tech-savvy workers. Even small frustrations, such as unreliable video calls, can disrupt workflows and create additional burdens.
Fear of Missing Out
For many workers, the fear of missing important information or opportunities drives compulsive behaviors, like incessantly checking messages. This need to stay connected can disrupt focus and increase stress. As one participant noted, “You kind of feel like you have to be there all the time. You have to be a little green light.” This sense of obligation can lead to burnout and negatively impact overall well-being.
Techno-Strain
Over time, these challenges combine to create what the study calls “techno-strain.” Workers reported experiencing both mental and physical health impacts, such as anxiety, burnout, poor posture, and headaches. The persistent demands of the digital workplace leave employees feeling drained and struggling to maintain balance in their personal and professional lives.
Lead researcher Elizabeth Marsh explained in a press release, “Digital workplaces benefit both organizations and employees, for example, by enabling collaborative and flexible work. However, what we have found in our research is that there is a potential dark side to digital working, where employees can feel fatigue and strain due to being overburdened by the demands and intensity of the digital work environment. A sense of pressure to be constantly connected and keeping up with messages can make it hard to psychologically detach from work.”
How to Support Digital Well-Being
To address the challenges of the digital workplace, researchers suggest practical strategies that can make a meaningful difference for employees. The first step is understanding the unique demands and preferences of digital workers. Employers can enhance digital confidence by offering training that equips employees with the skills to navigate tools and platforms more effectively. This not only reduces frustration but also boosts efficiency.
Encouraging clear work-life boundaries is another critical step. Supporting employees in limiting after-hours communication can help them disconnect and recharge, promoting both mental and physical well-being. Additionally, simplifying workplace technology is essential. Collaborating with technology teams to reduce the number of apps, streamline tools, and improve usability can significantly alleviate digital strain.
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