The impact of work engagement and work dedication on digital burnout among highly educated employees within the research industry

Abstract

Working environments have seen a radical transformation, from office bound working hours to flexible working hours and remote locations. Being connected and contactable only during working hours and at the office has become a thing of the past and a double-edged sword. While employees in high pressured client service working environments rely on their digital devices in an attempt to gain a competitive edge, it is this constant connectivity causing exasperated exhaustion levels. The overuse of digital devices to access emails and workrelated documents results in little “down time”, causing stress and anxiety for employees. This state of exhaustion coupled with burnout has brought about the phenomenon, digital burnout. Digital burnout sufferers are continuously tired and less productive as they struggle to focus on the task at hand while continuously multitasking. Left feeling demotivated, these individuals commonly associate their work with negative emotions. Thus, the study aimed to assess the impact of work engagement and work addiction on digital burnout. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was utilised which yielded a final sample of 69 quantitative and six qualitative interviews with highly educated research employees. The results revealed intensified levels of exhaustion and absorption. Further, the results identified signs of over-engagement, leaning more towards work addiction than positive work engagement. These findings coupled with the augmented use of their digital devices and long working hours poses a risk of digital burnout. Further research on digital burnout is required, with a focus on a longitudinal study is proposed for future research.