Stress from digital work

Digital technologies, while enhancing productivity and communication, also contribute to significant workplace stress. Our recently published study addresses the fragmentation in existing models of digital hindrance stressors by proposing a unified hierarchical model tailored to contemporary digital work environments. The research synthesizes various technostress frameworks and employs a mixed methods approach, including a qualitative pre-study and extensive surveys with over 5,800 participants, to identify and validate twelve first-order and five second-order stressors. The new model offers both detailed and streamlined measurement tools, enhancing its applicability in diverse organizational contexts.

For practitioners and policymakers, this study provides a comprehensive framework to assess and mitigate the adverse impacts of digital stressors. The unified model allows organizations to understand specific stressors their employees face and implement targeted interventions to improve well-being and productivity. By utilizing this model, occupational health professionals can better address the psychological and physical health implications of technostress. Moreover, the findings offer actionable insights for designing digital work environments that minimize stress and foster a healthier, more productive workforce. This research bridges the gap between theoretical technostress models and practical applications, guiding effective strategies for managing digital workplace stress.

Please read more about our research in our latest paper published in Information Systems Research.