Title: Global Perspectives and Emerging Dimensions of Multidisciplinary Research
Chief Editors: Dr. Jagdish Kumar Sahu and Ms. Machado Sneha John
Associate Editors: Dr. Sree Lakshmi Ammanamanchi and Dr. Divya R. Patel
Co-Editors: Mr. Hruthik J. R and Dr. Shishira Srinivasa
ISBN: 978-93-7183-027-0
Chapter: 16
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/833/16
Author: Dr R Nandhini
Abstract
With the new dependence on digital technologies and constant connectivity online, the culture of remote work has changed and new psychological challenges have been set for the worker. The aim of this research paper is to look at digital burnout and the psychological effects of constant connectivity in remote working environments, focusing on stress and emotional strain, loss of work-life balance and employee wellbeing. The research takes a mixed-method approach, with quantitative data collected on remote work patterns and working hours, as well as the frequency and type of online communication and the reported experience of burnout, among remote staff and workplace professionals, collected as part of structured interviews. Those who spend long periods in the digital world can find themselves to be more mentally fatigued, stressed at work, emotionally depleted, less focused, and unable to switch off from work after hours. Meanwhile, remote working offers flexibility, helps to lower commuting demands and offers workers the freedom to control their working lives, and shows that digital connectivity has the potential to offer key benefits when managed properly. The study also underscores the importance of organizational expectations, communication patterns, workload, managerial support and digital habits in influencing the experiences of digital burnout by employees. Additionally, the study presents a set of workplace strategies that can help alleviate the psychological consequences of being constantly connected, such as clear communication boundaries, reasonable workload management, periods of digital disconnection, flexible work schedules, employee wellbeing initiatives, and policies that encourage the right to disconnect. This research explores how digital connectivity impacts psychological health and wellbeing, and outlines the need for sustainable working practices while remote work, that is grounded in both technological accessibility, but also in addressing employees’ mental and emotional needs. The results add to the emerging body of research on digital working and employee health and well-being by offering empirical-based guidance to employers, managers, and workers on how to foster healthier and more sustainable remote working conditions.
Keywords: Digital burnout, Remote work, Constant connectivity, Psychological well-being, Work-life balance, Digital technology, Employee stress, Emotional exhaustion, Remote work culture, Employee well-being