Burnout in the age of always-on: how to support your well-being in a digital workplace

In an era defined by continuous connectivity, the traditional boundaries between work and personal life have blurred irrevocably.

From instant notifications to the pressure of being 'always-on', the modern work environment, while offering unprecedented flexibility and accessibility, poses significant challenges to mental well-being.

The phenomenon known as “technostress” has emerged as workers wrestle with information overload and the relentless demands of digital communication.

Caroline Kilbey, Head of Talent Acquisition at Strider Digital, sheds light on the urgent need to prioritise mental health in the age of hyper-connectivity.

“While there are many benefits to a hyper-connected world and workplace,” Kilbey explains, “these often come at a cost. Being constantly connected to your phone or laptop can fuel what experts are now calling technostress.”

The repercussions are profound; as technostress escalates, it not only hampers productivity but also jeopardises mental and emotional health, leading to a path of potential burnout.

Understanding the early signs of burnout

Burnout is not a sudden development; rather, it creeps in gradually, often disguised by the hectic demands of everyday life.

Kilbey urges individuals to be vigilant, saying, “The early warning signs can show up in subtle ways, like persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, irritability over the smallest things, difficulty concentrating or a growing sense of emotional detachment from your work.”

These indications, such as a lack of motivation or dwindling satisfaction from tasks once enjoyed, should prompt proactive measures for mental health before escalating into more serious issues.

Redefining digital boundaries for balance

The landscape of work dramatically shifted during the pandemic, significantly blurring the lines between work and home.

As remote work became the norm, personal time was often sacrificed on the altar of productivity.

“Now, it’s up to each of us to consciously redraw those boundaries,” Kilbey recommends.

Establishing offline hours and turning off notifications after work can reclaim personal time and foster a healthier work-life balance.

“These steps may seem small, but over time, they can help restore balance, reduce stress and protect both your mental health and your relationships outside of work.”

Managing the flood of information

The digital workspace bombards us with constant emails, messages, and notifications, leading to an overwhelming sense of chaos.

Scheduling dedicated “deep work” sessions — uninterrupted time focused solely on high-priority tasks — can combat this stress.

Kilbey advises segmenting communication rather than checking messages constantly, as this can help clear mental clutter.

“It’s also essential that you unsubscribe from unnecessary alerts and emails,” she says, emphasising that a decluttered digital environment is key to sustaining focus and well-being.

Embracing a sustainable definition of success

In a culture that often equates success with constant availability, Kilbey posits a healthier view; one that values balance over mere activity.

“Taking time to recharge isn’t a luxury, it’s essential for long-term performance, innovation, and resilience,” she asserts.

By prioritising well-being alongside professional accomplishments, individuals can nurture a work rhythm that fosters both fulfilment and success.

In doing so, one not only meets immediate goals but also cultivates a sustainable career that thrives amidst the complexities of the digital age.

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