Over the past few years, an increasing number of workers have reported experiencing “digital burnout” from being constantly working through smartphones and emails outside office hours. This phenomenon is caused by the unrealistic expectations of the public as well as the heightened standards of employers. It can be mitigated by ensuring that employees’ burnout is recognised and that office hours are strictly controlled.
Electronic devices have become an increasingly significant part of our daily lives, specifically in our careers. People working in fields such as marketing and sales spend most of their office hours on devices. During this time, they reach out to potential customers and communicate with consumers. The issue arises when individuals then expect workers to be available at any time of day, especially after office hours. Salespeople are expected to prioritise every customer over their personal lives, and not doing so may cost them consumers. The unrealistic expectations of the public cause workers to constantly increase their workload. Most workers in the same field end up doing the same, as to not lose potential consumers to their competitors. Due to this, employers’ standards are also heightened. They end up expecting the same amount of dedication from every worker, despite the fact that it is an impossible standard to keep up with.
This issue can be mitigated by recognising the digital burnout publicly. Through acknowledging the struggles of employees working outside office hours, the public will be inclined to understanding longer wait times for enquiries outside said hours. Moreover, strictly controlling office hours sets healthy boundaries for employees, employers, and consumers.