Study: A digital workplace can accentuate stress and FOMO

The growing popularity of working online from a laptop means that employees often enjoy greater flexibility and employers can attract talent that would otherwise be out of reach. However, for some people, working remotely in front of a computer all day is associated with being more susceptible to stress and burnout.

According to one study, the very idea of ​​FOMO (“fear of missing out”) can promote stress and burnout, which is heightened by a digital work environment.

A study carried out by researchers at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom and published in Open Sage magazine reveals that a digital work environment leads some people to remain constantly connected so as not to miss any information, increasing stress and mental fatigue.

Researchers collected data from 142 UK employees to examine the negative effects of digital work and technology use, such as stress, overload, anxiety and fear of missing out.

FOMO, an acronym for “fear of missing out,” refers to the anxiety of missing out on information, networking opportunities, and interactions, and it’s now making its way into the world of work. The study’s findings show that feelings of overwhelm and fear of missing out are particularly detrimental to well-being, fostering stress and anxiety in the digital workplace.

“The excess of information flowing through channels such as email, intranets or collaboration tools can lead workers to worry about missing it, as well as succumb to overwhelm as they struggle to keep up. To help people cope with information overload, serious and sustained attention must be given to optimizing information management and supporting information literacy,” explains Elizabeth Marsh, a doctoral student in psychology and co-author of the study, in a press release.

The study also highlights the importance of taking stock of these negative effects on employee well-being and suggests that employers invest in practices to optimize the amount and flow of information. It recommends considering policies and training that help digital workplace users better access, manage and consume information.

“Considering the digital workplace in work and job design is essential not only for employee productivity but also for well-being in modern organizations. Where this is lacking, it can result in heightened stress and burnout, as well as poorer mental health. Our findings point to the information ecosystem as an important area for attention both within organizations and across the research community,” concludes Alexa Spence, Professor of Psychology and co-author of the study. – AFP Relaxnews