Digital work linked to stress and burnout, UK study shows
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND — In an increasingly digital workplace, the constant flow of information is taking a toll on employees’ mental health.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Nottingham has illuminated the adverse effects of digital work on worker wellbeing and highlighted the need for better information management strategies.
The information paradox
The study, which surveyed 140 adults in the United Kingdom and who use technology for work daily, revealed a concerning trend. Workers are caught in a paradox: they fear missing out on crucial information while simultaneously feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of data they receive.
This dual pressure is proving particularly detrimental to their mental health, leading to increased levels of anxiety, stress, and exhaustion.
Lead study author Elizabeth Marsh, a doctoral student in Nottingham’s School of Psychology, explained, “The glut of information flowing through channels such as email, intranets or collaboration tools can lead workers to worry about missing out on it, as well as succumbing to overload as they strive to keep up.”
Chat apps drain workplace focus
A separate survey by Economist Impact reveals that being constantly connected through workplace chat apps severely reduces employees’ ability to focus and contributes to burnout.
The study found that disruptive chat messages cause the average worker to lose 157 hours annually— nearly 4 hours per week —toggling between tasks. Experts say this “toggling tax” is taking a major toll on productivity and well-being.
Meanwhile, a survey of 2,000 U.S. office workers by language learning platform Babbel found that 36% of Gen Zers aged 18-24 have over 1,000 unread emails, compared to just 18% of office workers overall, causing stress, anxiety, and even regret over how they communicate at work.
Moreover, a study by the foreign language learning platform Preply highlighted email as a predominant cause of workplace misunderstanding.
The study revealed that 87% of 1,030 U.S. employees associate workplace miscommunications primarily with email interactions. This rate surpasses other modes like voice messages (67%), phone calls (71%), direct messaging (79%), and text messages (80%).
Addressing the digital dilemma
To combat these issues, the researchers at the University of Nottingham have proposed several recommendations for employers:
- Optimize information flow: Companies should invest in practices that streamline the amount and flow of information to employees.
- Enhance information literacy: Implementing policy and training options can help workers better access, manage, and consume information in a way that promotes wellbeing and productivity.
- Rethink digital strategies: Organizations should reconsider their information and knowledge management strategies, focusing on user-centric content design and personalized digital channels.
Marsh emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, “To help people cope with information overwhelm, serious and sustained attention should be given to both optimizing information management and supporting information literacy.”
