A groundbreaking study by researchers at the University of Nottingham’s Schools of Psychology and Medicine has revealed compelling evidence of the relationship between mindfulness and well-being in the digital workplace. The study, based on responses from 142 employees, found that those who practice mindfulness in their digital work environments experience a significant reduction in stress, anxiety, and overload. Published in PLOS ONE, these findings underscore the crucial role of mindfulness in managing the challenges of modern work settings.
Leading the research from the School of Psychology, PhD student Elizabeth Marsh spearheaded a study that aimed to understand the impact of digital technology on individuals’ health and propose effective strategies. Marsh’s insights, “As digital technology increasingly shapes our work, our study aimed to understand its health implications and identify strategies. Our results underscore the need for integrating digital mindfulness and confidence into a healthy digital work-life balance in the 21st century.” This underscores the importance of promoting mindfulness practices in organisations to support employee well-being in the face of digital advancements.
Survey respondents shared perspectives on the challenges posed by the digital workplace, including stress, overload, anxiety, fear of missing out, and addiction, and how these factors influence their health. The study revealed that employees with higher digital confidence exhibited lower susceptibility to digital workplace anxiety. Moreover, those demonstrating elevated levels of mindfulness showed greater resilience against these adversities. Insights from 14 interviews further highlighted how cultivating digital mindfulness can safeguard well-being, presenting a promising avenue for intervention.
Dr. Alexa Spence, Associate Professor of Psychology, highlighted the role of digital workplace technologies in exacerbating employees’ stress perceptions. “Technologies like e-mail, instant messaging, and mobile devices contribute significantly to employees’ stress perceptions,” she observed. “The rapid evolution of the digital workplace can heighten stress levels and potentially lead to burnout and deteriorating health.” This underscores the urgency for organisations to confront digital technology challenges and implement strategies to mitigate their impact on employee well-being.
Mindfulness, defined as intentional and non-judgmental present-moment awareness, emerges as a critical factor in alleviating the negative effects of the digital workplace. Employees with higher mindfulness levels demonstrate reduced vulnerability to the adverse impacts of digital work environments. Professor Elvira Perez Vallejos, a leading authority in Digital Technology for Mental Health, reiterated the implications of the research, stating, “Organisations must actively address digital workplace hazards alongside other psychosocial and physical risks. Fostering mindful awareness among employees engaged in digital work has immense potential to enhance overall well-being.” This underscores the transformative potential of mindfulness interventions in bolstering employee resilience and well-being in the digital era, offering a beacon of optimism for the future.
More information: Elizabeth Marsh et al, Mindfully and confidently digital: A mixed methods study on personal resources to mitigate the dark side of digital working, PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295631
Journal information: PLoS ONE Provided by University of Nottingham
