24/7: measuring and tools against digital stress among Flemish public sector employees

The ability to be online 24/7 has dramatically changed working life in recent years. However, the increasing dependence and/or overuse of digital media and technology brings with it digital stress. It manifests itself especially among public sector employees. In this study, we identify various digistress profiles among public sector employees and focus on solutions to reduce digital stress.

Situation

Besides the benefits that the internet and digitalisation bring to employees, more and more employees experience a growing dependence on digital media, resulting in an increase in "digital stress". Employees put a lot of pressure on themselves in terms of multitasking, answering e-mails and keeping up with what is going on on social media, but also experience digital stress from the manager's side. Several studies show that digital stress is linked (directly or indirectly) to psychological problems such as mood disorders and burnout.

Focus

In this PWO project, using in-depth interviews and an online survey, we want to find out to what extent Flemish public sector employees experience digital stress and what digital stress profiles we can identify. In addition, we focus on solutions to reduce stress levels and see what role the manager can play in this.

Valorisation

Specifically, this study will develop a mock-up of a "digital stress meter" based on the different stress profiles in employees and the structural advice tailored to each identified profile. Subsequently, the data will also be incorporated into a policy research report aimed at managers so that they have a working tool to address digital stress in employees.