The fear of missing out (FoMO) is a significant concern for employee mental health and, combined with the burden of excessive information, might contribute to increased burnout, as indicated by recent research.
A team of researchers at the University of Nottingham’s Schools of Psychology and Medicine examined survey responses from 142 employees to explore the negative aspects of digital workspaces. They discovered that employees who felt anxious about missing critical information and faced information overload were more prone to stress and burnout. These findings were published today in SAGE Open.
Elizabeth Marsh, a PhD student from the School of Psychology, led this quantitative research. She stated, “The digital workplace has become an essential strategic element for organizations by enhancing worker productivity and providing flexibility, especially in a hybrid work model. However, we must also consider the potential downsides for employee well-being, particularly due to the rise of digital communication tools and channels post-Covid.”
This study complements previous research that indicated employees who practice mindfulness in digital environments experience less stress, anxiety, and overwhelm.
In this investigation, FoMO is described as the anxiety stemming from the possibility of missing out on vital information, updates, and opportunities for social interactions. Originally linked to social media, this new research reveals that FoMO is also impacting the workplace.
The study participants reflected on their experiences with adverse effects of digital environments, such as stress, information overload, anxiety, and the fear of missing out, and how these factors influenced their overall well-being.
The findings highlighted that among these negative effects, concerns related to information—both feeling overwhelmed and fearing to miss out—were especially harmful to employee well-being. These factors increased overall stress associated with digital work.
Elizabeth emphasized, “The overwhelming amount of information from emails, intranets, and collaboration platforms can cause workers to feel anxious about missing out and result in overload as they try to keep pace. To better manage this information overflow, organizations must focus on enhancing information management and fostering information literacy.”
The research offers several practical recommendations for employers, such as investing in strategies to regulate the volume and flow of information directed at employees. HR departments can leverage these insights to develop policies and training that empower employees to effectively access, manage, and utilize information, thereby promoting well-being alongside productivity.
Dr. Alexa Spence, Professor of Psychology, highlights, “Understanding the digital workplace in job and work design is crucial for fostering both employee productivity and well-being in contemporary organizations. A lack of attention in this area can lead to higher stress, burnout, and deteriorating mental health. Our findings underscore the importance of focusing on the information ecosystem both within organizations and in academic research.”
The research received funding from ESRC-MGS (Economic and Social Research Council — Midland Graduate School).
