Recent research from the University of Nottingham’s Schools of Psychology and Medicine sheds light on the detrimental impact of the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) on employee mental health and its potential to exacerbate burnout, particularly in the face of information overload. This study analysed responses from 142 employees to explore the adverse effects of digital work environments. The findings published in SAGE Open indicate that employees who struggle with FoMO and an excess of information are more prone to stress and burnout.

Elizabeth Marsh, a PhD student leading the quantitative analysis at the School of Psychology, underscored the significance of digital workspaces as critical assets for organisational strategy. These platforms boost productivity and adaptability, especially in hybrid working setups. However, Marsh also pointed out the possible negative impacts on employee well-being, intensified by the increased reliance on digital communication tools post-COVID-19 pandemic.

The study elaborates on the protective role of mindfulness in digital workplaces, helping shield employees from stress, anxiety, and the burdens of information overload. In this context, FoMO is characterised as anxiety linked to missing crucial updates, information, and opportunities for interaction and relationship building. While traditionally associated with social media, the study reveals FoMO’s significant repercussions in professional environments.

Participants described their encounters with the ‘dark side’ of digital workplaces, including stress, overload, anxiety, and FoMO, and how these factors impinged their well-being. The findings pinpoint issues specifically related to information—such as the fear of missing out and its overwhelming nature—as particularly detrimental. These challenges affect well-being directly and magnify the overall stress linked with digital work.

Elizabeth Marsh highlighted the challenges presented by the constant stream of information through emails, intranets, and collaborative tools, which can overwhelm employees and contribute to feelings of exclusion. She advocates for a comprehensive approach to managing this information overflow, focusing on optimising information handling and boosting information literacy to mitigate feeling overwhelmed. The study recommends that employers invest in strategies to manage the flow and distribution of information, which could guide HR policies and training programs aimed at helping employees navigate and utilise information more efficiently.

Dr. Alexa Spence, a psychology professor, emphasised the need to consider digital workplaces in job design to enhance productivity and promote employee well-being. Neglecting this aspect can result in increased stress, burnout, and a decline in mental health. The research underscores the information ecosystem within organisations as a pivotal focus for internal policy and broader research engagement, highlighting the necessity for a balanced approach to managing digital work environments.

More information: Elizabeth Marsh et al, Overloaded by Information or Worried About Missing Out on It: A Quantitative Study of Stress, Burnout, and Mental Health Implications in the Digital Workplace, SAGE Open. DOI: 10.1177/21582440241268830

Journal information: SAGE Open Provided by University of Nottingham