Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) poses a significant risk to employee mental health and can escalate burnout, especially when combined with the challenges of information overload, according to recent research. Conducted by the University of Nottingham’s Schools of Psychology and Medicine, the study analysed survey data from 142 employees to examine the negative aspects of digital work environments. The results, published in SAGE Open, reveal that employees burdened with the fear of missing out on crucial information and an overload of data are more susceptible to stress and burnout.
Elizabeth Marsh, a PhD student at the School of Psychology who led the quantitative analysis, emphasised the importance of digital workspaces as strategic organisational assets. These platforms enhance worker productivity and adaptability, particularly in hybrid working contexts. However, she highlighted the potential negative impacts on employee well-being, exacerbated by the surge in digital communication tools and channels following the COVID-19 pandemic.
This study builds on previous research that mindfulness in digital workplaces can protect employees from stress, anxiety, and information overload. FoMO is defined in this study as the anxiety associated with missing essential updates and information, as well as opportunities for interaction and relationship building. Although FoMO has traditionally been linked to social media, this research demonstrates its significant impact in professional settings.
Participants in the study reported on their experiences with the ‘dark side’ of digital workplaces, including stress, overload, anxiety, and FoMO, and how these factors affected their well-being. The findings indicated that issues specifically linked to information—the fear of missing out on it and feeling overwhelmed—were particularly harmful. These issues directly affected well-being and amplified the overall stress associated with digital work.
Elizabeth Marsh further discussed the challenges posed by the constant flow of information through emails, intranets, and collaborative tools, which can overwhelm employees and make them feel left out. She advocates for a comprehensive approach to managing this information glut, optimising information management, and enhancing information literacy to alleviate the feeling of being overwhelmed. The research suggests that employers should invest in strategies to control the volume and distribution of information, which could also inform HR policies and training programs to help employees manage and utilise information more effectively.
Dr Alexa Spence, a Psychology professor, emphasised the importance of considering digital workplaces in job design to boost productivity and employee well-being. Inadequate attention to this aspect can lead to increased stress, burnout, and deteriorating mental health. The study highlights the information ecosystem within organisations as a critical area for internal policy focus and broader research engagement, underscoring the need for a balanced approach to 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
