What Is Technostress? Know Its Symptoms, Types And Ways To Reduce It!

In today's digitally driven era, our reliance on technology has skyrocketed, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced a new era of hybrid working models. And with the growing reliance on digital devices and entertainment, there is a continuous increase in concerns regarding the impact of technostress in the workplace. This phenomenon is of utmost significance as face-to-face interactions have almost diminished, making it imperative for organisations to address the causes of technostress effectively.

This overreliance on technology, coupled with fewer opportunities for direct colleague interactions, can weaken company culture, dampen productivity, diminish happiness levels, and ultimately lead to higher employee turnover rates. This is why it's important for organisations to proactively tackle technostress and create a conducive work environment that supports working well with technology as well as having valuable communication between people.

Addressing the real meaning of technostress, this blog explores its symptoms, types, and practical tips to reduce it in your organisation. So, keep reading!

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Technostress?

2. What Are The Symptoms Of Technostress?

3. What Are Some Examples Of Technostress? 4 Types Of Technostress

4. How To Reduce Technostress In Your Organization?

5. The Final Say

6. FAQs

7. References

What Is Technostress?

Technostress is a comprehensive condition involving physical, mental, and emotional symptoms and arising from the stress of technology usage. Common symptoms include physical discomforts like headaches and migraines, back pain and mental and emotional challenges such as fatigue, irritability, and frustration. 

While these symptoms may seem minor individually, they can lead to more severe issues, often from constant digital connectivity and excessive electronic device usage. This digital pressure, arising from factors like social anxiety disorder and the demands of digital work, not only induces fatigue but can also impact relationships and contribute to mental health problems.

What Are The Symptoms Of Technostress?

Note these technostress symptoms for better handling the situation with early detection:

Also Read: How To Improve Social Wellness: Importance, Resources And Challenges 

What Are Some Examples Of Technostress? 4 Types Of Technostress

Note the most common types and examples of technostress for reference:

Also Read: 5 Ways To Manage Psychological Stress At the Workplace! 

How To Reduce Technostress In Your Organization?

Reducing technostress in an organisation involves implementing strategies and creating a supportive environment that addresses the negative impact of technology on employees. Here's a list of ways to mitigate technostress:

1. Provide Comprehensive Training

Ensure employees receive thorough training on new technologies and tools to enhance their confidence and competence in using them effectively. This includes hands-on workshops, online courses, and access to user manuals and support resources. Additionally, it offers opportunities for skill development and certification programs to continually upskill employees and keep them abreast of the latest advancements.

2. Encourage Work-Life Balance

Promote a healthy work-life balance by establishing clear boundaries between work and personal time, discouraging constant connectivity outside office hours. Encourage employees to take vacation days and breaks during the workday to recharge. Offer flexible scheduling options and remote work opportunities to accommodate individual preferences and responsibilities outside of work.

3. Provide Technical Support

Ensure that employees have access to timely technical support to address any issues or challenges they face with technology, minimising frustration and downtime. Implement a dedicated IT helpdesk or support team to respond to inquiries promptly, troubleshoot technical issues, and guide software and hardware usage. Offer training sessions or resources for common technical tasks to empower employees to troubleshoot minor issues independently.

4. Regular Technology Assessments

Regularly check the technologies we use to find outdated or redundant tools and invest in solutions that simplify processes and reduce complexity. Include workers in this checking process to collect their opinions about how easy to use and effective our present technologies are. Consider user satisfaction, system performance, and alignment with organisational goals when evaluating technology solutions. Allocate resources for upgrades or replacements to ensure the technology infrastructure's continued efficiency and relevance.

5. Encourage Digital Detox Periods

Promote designated periods where employees are encouraged to disconnect from digital devices, fostering moments of relaxation to alleviate technostress. Encourage employees to use their breaks or lunchtime to engage in non-digital activities such as walking, practising mindfulness, or socialising with colleagues face-to-face. Provide designated quiet areas or relaxation zones within the workplace where employees can unwind without the distraction of screens.

Also Read: Mindful Digital Detox: Improve Mindful Wellness Without Tech! 

6. Develop Clear Policies for Digital Communication

Create and communicate clear policies for digital communication, emphasising the importance of respectful and considerate interactions to reduce stress caused by miscommunication and misunderstandings. Establish guidelines for email etiquette, instant messaging protocols, and virtual meeting conduct to streamline communication and minimise unnecessary interruptions. Encourage employees to prioritise face-to-face or phone conversations for complex or sensitive discussions to ensure clarity and understanding.

7. Provide Anti-Glare Screens

Invest in anti-glare screens and ergonomic accessories to minimise physical discomfort and strain caused by prolonged exposure to screen glare. Provide adjustable monitor stands or mounts to allow employees to position their screens at optimal viewing angles to reduce eye strain and neck tension. Additionally, offers anti-fatigue mats, wrist supports, and adjustable chairs to promote ergonomic posture and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries associated with extended computer use. Frequently check and change how workstations are arranged to fit personal requirements and likes.

Also Read: 15 Best Spiritual Wellness Activities At Workplace And Its Benefits 

The Final Say

Addressing technostress in the workplace is imperative for fostering a healthy and productive environment. Companies can implement strategies such as comprehensive training, promoting work-life balance, providing technical support, conducting regular technology assessments, etc. Also, encouraging digital detox periods, developing clear communication policies, and offering ergonomic solutions like anti-glare screens can allow organisations to mitigate the harmful effects of technostress on their employees effectively.

Taking these steps improves how workers feel and helps the whole company do better, including being more creative in the digital age. By prioritising the holistic health of their workforce, companies can thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world while ensuring that their employees remain resilient, motivated, and fulfilled in their roles.

FAQs

1. Why is understanding technostress important?

Technostress awareness is crucial as it can impact employee well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction, leading to burnout and decreased organisational performance. Recognising and mitigating technostress is essential for maintaining a healthy work environment.

2. What are some examples of technostress?

Examples of technostress include constant connectivity expectations, information overload, email overload, and the pressure to adapt to rapidly changing technologies. These factors contribute to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and 

reduced job satisfaction.

3. What are the symptoms of technostress?

Symptoms of technostress may manifest as physical issues (headaches, eye strain), psychological symptoms (anxiety, irritability), and behavioural changes (decreased productivity, disengagement). Recognising these signs is crucial for implementing strategies to address and prevent technostress.

4. How is technostress and mental health co-related?

Technostress can negatively impact mental health by contributing to conditions like anxiety and burnout. The constant demands of technology and information overload can strain mental well-being, highlighting the importance of managing technostress for overall mental health.

5. How to deal with technostress in the workplace?

Addressing technostress involves promoting a healthy work culture, providing comprehensive training on technology use, encouraging regular breaks, implementing clear communication policies, and fostering a work-life balance. Creating awareness, offering support, and involving employees in technology decisions are essential steps in mitigating technostress in the workplace.

References

• Managing “Technostress” for Optimal Employee Innovation Performance

• Technostress and Its Management Techniques

About ToneOp

ToneOp is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented health plans with up to 3 Coach support. With a range of Weight Management, Medical Condition, Detox Plans, and Face Yoga Plans, the app also provides premium health trackers, recipes and health content. Get customised diet, fitness, naturopathy & yoga plans and transform yourself with ToneOp.