Does the thought of mastering yet another form of software fill you with dread? Do you feel pressurised when multitasking on one too many virtual platforms? What about when loadshedding strikes, and that document you needed to upload by noon comes to a dead halt?

All that stress you’re feeling is real. In fact, it has a name – techno-stress – which is a psychological response to negative experiences with information and communication technologies (ICTs). And if it is allowed to run rampant, it could have a detrimental effect on your well-being and work-life balance. 

The rapidly changing world of work is largely digitised and heavily reliant on technology for efficiency and productivity. But how can employees manage technology-induced stress?

Adjusting to virtual and hybrid work settings has been characterised by significant changes, including the adaptation of different ICTs. Such changes have redefined the nature of work and business models. Tremendous advances in ICTs have emerged, with significant benefits for both individuals and organisations.

However, while the adoption and diffusion of ICTs have greatly improved production efficiency and the quality and effectiveness of work, using them requires high physical, social and cognitive skills, which has resulted in many employees experiencing a form of stress which is the result of regular interaction with technology.

What to watch out for

Techno-stress is an amalgamation of knock-on effects that could lead to burnout or fear of losing your job. Identifying the “creators” that you’re exposed to daily is the first step in navigating technology-induced stress.

Techno-overload is just one red flag. It is the result of prolonged use of a single device or the use of multiple devices simultaneously. This makes work highly demanding, as employees are required to multitask, and work for long periods and at a faster pace; there are also frequent interruptions and expectations to respond instantly.

Another creator is techno-complexity, which is experienced when complex technological devices or software challenge your concentration, qualification, skills and feelings of control. This complexity exerts pressure on your skills and time, and could erode your confidence in completing tasks.

This is coupled with techno-unreliability, induced by technical breakdowns, poor connectivity or even loadshedding, which limits Wi-Fi functionality and the use of other devices, resulting in frustration.

All these factors combine to create techno-invasion, where your work life spills over into your personal or family time, blurring the boundaries between work and other life domains. This intrusion can eventually impair recovery from work, leading to burnout.

A domino effect is that employees then experience techno-uncertainty, that is, feelings of ambiguity as a result of constant technological advances and digital transformation processes. The uncertainty and ambiguity in turn create feelings of inadequacy, thus causing techno-insecurity. Linked to this is a fear of job loss or degradation in status, which is caused by the perception that digital technologies will fully or partly replace employees.

The stress is exacerbated by technologies that enable a close monitoring of individual work performance, location and work times, all of which has created uneasiness, and provoke distrust and loss of control among monitored workers.

Taking control of techno-stress

There is no doubt that technology improves the quality and accuracy of work. However, it also interferes with family life and potentiality fosters expectations of permanent connectivity, which may be detrimental to our well-being.

So how can your employer help you and how can you help yourself?

Organisations that make use of virtual and hybrid work models can assist employees to mitigate the amount of techno-stress they experience by creating an environment that enables a good work-life balance. Companies can do this by offering employees sufficient ICT support.

In environments that are more prone to techno-stress, managers need to maintain regular, transparent and consistent communication to ensure that employees have access to technological skills training and adequate resources to deal with technology.

On an individual level, you can reduce techno-stress by seeking ICT help when you experience uncertainty, complexity and insecurity. To address techno-overload and techno-invasion, set clear boundaries of your work hours and avoid overusing ICTs; this will prevent a spill-over into your personal life.

Also avoid using multiple devices simultaneously and responding to emails while attending virtual meetings. Additionally, creating an email policy for yourself (checking mails only at defined times) can promote mental well-being.

If managed well, technology improves efficiency and allows for greater flexibility in managing job demands and organising private-life demands during worktime. But, if overused, it could increase the risk of work-family conflict and negatively impacting our well-being, which is why it might be high time for you to switch up your techno habits or switch off when necessary.