Effects of technostress on the productivity of workers in ICT company: an observational study.

Abstract

Introduction: Information and communication technologies (ICT) offer many advantages but also have negative aspects. This study explores the level of stress caused by technology and its impact on productivity, analyzing individual perceptions and use of technology.

Methods: This observational study used a questionnaire validated by Tarafdar et al., translated into Italian and administered online. Technological stress factors, role stress, and productivity were analyzed using SPSS 27. Multivariate analysis identified relationships between responses and various variables.

Results: The analysis of 1,746 individuals revealed a significant association between techno-overload, techno-invasion, techno-complexity, techno-insecurity, techno-uncertainty, and demographic and work-related variables. These factors affected productivity. Bivariate and multivariate analyses confirmed the interaction between technology, stress, and work efficiency. In particular, the female gender was associated with techno-overload (p=0.04), techno-invasion, and role conflict (p<0.001). Age was correlated with techno-invasion (p=0.001), techno-complexity (p<0.001), role overload (p<0.001), role conflict (p=0.046), and productivity (p=0.018).

Discussion and conclusions: Technology, while useful, can lead to technostress. The study highlights how various technological stress factors impact gender, age, and work-related stress. This observational study evaluates the phenomenon of technostress, both work-related and non-work-related, experienced by 1,746 individuals. The results particularly indicate that different technological stress factors significantly affect women, age, and work-related stress. Continued research is needed in this field to better understand and clarify the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and causes of the condition.