What is Technostress?
Technostress refers to the stress or psychological strain people experience when interacting with technology. It arises from the challenges individuals face in adapting to, using, and managing modern technologies.
What causes technostress?
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of technostress
Information overload
The constant influx of information, notifications, and updates can result in feelings of overwhelm. The pressure to remain constantly connected and responsive can add to this sense of overload.
Constant change and instability
Rapid technological advancements can make it difficult for us to keep up with new software, devices, and platforms. Frequent updates and changes in technology can create a sense of unease, uncertainty, and instability. As we struggle to stay current, this exposure to ongoing micro-stressors can lead to increased stress and burnout.
Blurring of work/life boundaries
Constant connectivity has become a way of life, with many of us now having our work emails and collaboration tools on our phones. This means we are at risk of being contacted by our colleagues, even outside of working hours. As a result, the boundaries between work and personal life have become increasingly blurred. This blurring of boundaries caused by technology can result in feelings of intrusion and heighten the risk of burnout.
Complexity
Some forms of technology has become increasingly complex. Multi-factor logins are often required to access digital systems, and we are increasingly required to use more sophisticated digital tools. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration when faced with rapid technological changes or glitches.
Digital clutter
Many of us receive large volumes of junk or unsolicited emails which continuously need to be managed. And we’ve all had that feeling of dread when it comes time to declutter our overflowing email inboxes. Worse still if you manage to take time off work, you will inevitably return to a mountain of emails that can take days or even weeks to process.
Performance monitoring and surveillance
Technology enables employers to monitor employee performance more closely than ever before. This can create a sense of anxiety and pressure, as workers may feel constantly scrutinised. Additionally, remote workers are particularly at risk of feeling over-scrutinised, which can lead them to work even longer hours to overcompensate for not being seen in the office.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity concerns fuel technostress through the persistent fear of data breaches and identity theft, resulting in ongoing anxiety. The complexity of security measures, such as encryption and firewalls, and the constant vigilance against threats like phishing, require significant mental effort. In the workplace, we encounter increasing pressures to adhere to strict cybersecurity policies, alongside the fear of costly errors, which significantly heightens stress for employees, managers, and business owners.
Lack of technological skills
Automation and artificial intelligence are transforming the job market, resulting in a demand for new skills and a decrease in the need for others. Technology is constantly evolving, and new tools and platforms are emerging at an accelerated pace. This creates challenges for individuals trying to keep their skills current. Many lack access to sufficient training and upskilling opportunities.
Concerns about job security
Many workers are worried about their future due to concerns about job security due to automation and technological advancements such as AI. Many employees believe that automation, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics, will lead to the displacement of human workers. This fear is particularly prevalent in industries with repetitive or easily automated tasks. Employees may worry that their skills will become obsolete and that they will be unable to find new employment.
What are the consequences of technostress?
Left unchecked, technostress can lead to:
• Stress and anxiety
• Decreased job satisfaction
• Reduced productivity
• Higher rates of burnout
• Increased staff turnover
Overcoming technostress
Governments, businesses, and educational institutions need to invest in programs that provide individuals with the necessary technological skills. Organisations must address these concerns by providing employees with adequate training and support and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Efforts should be made to promote digital literacy among all members of society, particularly those in underserved communities.
Here are some specific actions that can address the challenges of technostress:
Encouraging lifelong learning
Individuals need to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning to keep their skills current in the face of rapid technological change.
Company based training
Companies must also take on the responsibility of upskilling employees through a range of upskilling activities. This could include in-house training, knowledge sharing, mentoring and shadowing, and external training.
Streamlining and simplifying systems and processes
Organisations can streamline and simplify digital systems wherever possible to reduce the friction in user experience, including employees and users of digital systems. Clear policies and procedures also help to bring clarity.
Digital management
Create your own systems and processes for managing things like emails, digital files and tools. Some popular strategies are dedicating time on a daily or weekly basis to de-clutter email inboxes, scheduling digital file management tasks and opting out of unnecessary digital communications.
Self-employed
If you are self-employed, dedicate sufficient time and resources to keeping your digital skills up to date. Seek external support where necessary, e.g., with digital skills development, policy development, and support with digital systems and processes for efficiency and optimisation.
Summary
In today’s hyper-connected world, technostress has become a significant challenge, stemming from information overload, constant change, blurred work-life boundaries, and anxieties surrounding cybersecurity and job security. To combat this, individuals and organisations must prioritise digital literacy, continuous learning, and timely training programs. By fostering a culture of support and proactively addressing the root causes of technostress, we can mitigate its negative impacts, such as burnout and decreased productivity, and ensure everyone can navigate the digital age with confidence and well-being.
