This informal CPD article,' Are You Technostressed?’, was provided by iGROW CorpHealth, partnering with Corporates to drive Employee Engagement through Holistic Health Solutions.
The constant influx of emails, messages, and digital notifications can lead to "technostress"—a modern workplace challenge characterized by anxiety, fatigue, and decreased productivity due to overexposure to technology. This article explores the impact of technostress on workplace well-being and performance. It outlines strategies for both individuals and organizations to manage digital overload and restore focus and balance. Most importantly, it reinforces that digital well-being is also a form of self-care.
What Is Technostress—and Why Should We Care?
In today’s hyperconnected workplace, digital tools have made work faster and more collaborative, they’ve also introduced new forms of stress. Technostress refers to the strain employees feel from being constantly plugged in, whether it’s responding to messages after hours, managing information overload, or juggling multiple platforms throughout the day.
A recent study found a strong link between technostress and increased psycho-physical distress, especially when workers feel obligated to be “always on” (1). Additionally, it revealed that tech-induced stress contributes to work-family conflict, emotional exhaustion, and disengagement.
Signs You Might Be Experiencing Technostress
Technostress isn’t just about screen fatigue. It can manifest in multiple ways:
- Feeling anxious when away from your phone or inbox
- Difficulty focusing due to constant notifications
- Pressure to respond immediately, even outside work hours
- Mental exhaustion after prolonged video meetings or multitasking across tools
These symptoms impact more than just mood. Prolonged digital overload can lead to burnout, sleep disturbances, and even physical health issues like headaches or elevated blood pressure.
Boundaries, Not Burnout: D.E.T.O.X. Strategies for Digital Wellness
In an always-on culture, managing technology use intentionally is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for mental clarity, focus, and sustainable performance. That’s where the D.E.T.O.X. framework comes in: five actionable steps to help employees and leaders protect their energy and avoid digital burnout.
D – Designate Boundaries
Set clear communication curfews. Encourage teams to avoid sending or responding to non-urgent messages after work hours. This protects recovery time and sets the tone for a healthier work-life rhythm—where productivity is measured by outcomes, not late-night replies.
E – Establish Quiet Zones
Carve out “quiet hours” in the day—blocks of uninterrupted time for focused work. Whether it's through no-meeting zones or dedicated deep work sessions, these spaces allow employees to move from constant multitasking into meaningful progress.
T – Turn Off Notifications
Digital tools shouldn’t dictate your attention. Pause or silence notifications during high-focus periods using "Do Not Disturb" settings or email batching. Regaining control over your attention is a powerful form of self-care.
O – Opt for Breaks
Small, purposeful breaks throughout the day—like standing, stretching, walking, or breathing exercises—can reset the nervous system and reduce tech-induced fatigue. They also prevent cognitive overload, helping you return to tasks with clarity and intention.
X – eXpress Tech Burnout
Create a culture where tech fatigue isn’t ignored but acknowledged. Normalize conversations around digital overwhelm in team check-ins. When leaders model this openness, they empower others to seek balance too—without guilt.
Digital detox is not just about reducing screen time—it’s about protecting mental clarity, emotional bandwidth, and focus. Organizations that encourage employees to take “digital wellness breaks” or include tech-free zones in their wellness programs are seeing positive outcomes (2). Self-care isn’t something to earn after a 10-hour day—it’s what enables you to perform sustainably every day.
Creating a Culture of Digital Well-being
Tackling technostress is not just an individual effort—it’s an organizational one. Here’s what companies can do:
- Model digital boundaries: Leaders should avoid sending emails late at night or expecting immediate replies.
- Audit tech tools: Review and simplify communication platforms to prevent duplication and overload.
- Provide training: Offer workshops on managing information flow, digital minimalism, and stress-reduction techniques.
- Support time off: Reinforce the importance of disconnecting during holidays, breaks, and after working hours.
Creating a workplace that prioritizes digital well-being sends a powerful message: your health matters as much as your output.
Final Thoughts
Technology will always be part of how we work—but it shouldn’t define our well-being. Technostress is real, but with intentional self-care, digital boundaries, and supportive cultures, we can work smarter, not just longer. A workplace that supports digital detox isn’t less productive—it’s more sustainable, resilient, and human.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from iGROW CorpHealth, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
REFERENCES
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9859582/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/12660/
