JOEM: Exploring the relationship between techno-unreliability at work and burnout (March 2024)-Exploring the Relationship Between Techno-Unreliability at Work and Burnout

Exploring the Relationship Between Techno-Unreliability at Work and Burnout

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The document explores the relationship between techno-unreliability at work and burnout among German employees. Techno-unreliability, defined as interruptions caused by unreliable digital technology, is found to be associated with stronger burnout symptoms. The study distinguishes between information and communication technology (ICT) users and tool users, finding that the more frequent the interruptions due to techno-unreliability, the higher the reported burnout symptoms for both groups. Social support and job autonomy are identified as potential buffers for this association, with social support from supervisors being particularly significant for ICT users and job autonomy for tool users. The study highlights the importance of reliable technology and technical support in reducing employee stress and mitigating the risk of burnout in the workplace. Limitations are acknowledged, including the cross-sectional nature of the data and the need for further research to address endogeneity, the generalizability of results, and the exploration of different types of techno-induced interruptions. Future research should also focus on investigating coping strategies and interventions to reduce technostress and improve employee well-being. The findings suggest that addressing techno-unreliability can lead to a healthier and more productive work environment by promoting social support and job autonomy.

Keywords

Techno-unreliability

Burnout

German employees

Digital technology

Information and communication technology

Job autonomy

Social support

Employee stress

Technostress

Interruptions