The digital revolution has changed the way we work, but it comes at a cost. Research from the United Kingdom shows that employees often feel overwhelmed by digital technology and the constant pressure to stay connected. This phenomenon, called “hyperconnectivity,” is becoming a global issue, with many employees complaining of fatigue, Tensionand difficulty disengagement from work.

The study, published Dec. 17 in Frontiers in Organizational Psychology, was led by Elizabeth Marsh, a graduate student in psychology at the University of Nottingham. Marsh and her colleagues conducted in-depth interviews with 14 employees to understand how digital work environments affect well-being.

“We found in our research that there is a potential dark side to digital working, where employees can feel burned out and stressed by the demands and intensity of the digital work environment,” Marsh explained in a university press release. , The pressure to be constantly online and reactive makes it difficult for employees to psychologically disconnect from work, he said.

Study participants shared their struggles to always be accessible, highlighting the blurred boundaries between work and personal life. One worker felt that they had to “be there all the time” and be constantly available, while another reported that working in an online environment “makes it difficult to leave[work]behind.”

“You feel like you have to keep that little green light on,” said one employee, referring to online status indicators used in messaging tools. Another said, “It is pressure to respond. I’ve received an e-mail, and I have to do it quickly because if not, someone might think, ‘What’s she doing at home?'”

These comments reflect a growing challenge in modern workplaces: the expectation of immediate response and the absence of defined off-hours. According to studies, this reduces stress, fatigue and work-life balance.

Marsh emphasized that this outcome was not inevitable. They concluded, “The findings underline the need for both researchers and professionals to identify, understand, and mitigate the job demands of the digital workplace so as to protect the well-being of digital workers.”

To combat the negative effects of hyperconnectivity, here are practical strategies employees can use to maintain work-life balance:

– Set clear boundaries: Define and adhere to specific work hours. Let your team know about these limitations so they understand when you are not available.

– Turn off notifications: Disable work-related notifications during off-hours to avoid the temptation to immediately respond to messages or emails.

– Create a dedicated workplace: If you work from home, set up a designated area for work. Once you leave this location, avoid checking work-related devices.

– Schedule breaks: Incorporate short breaks into your day to recharge. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Method, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break.

– Practice a digital detox: Spend at least an hour every day away from all screens. Engage in offline activities like reading, exercising, or spending time with loved ones.

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