Digital anxiety defines modern work culture as 83pc employees work outside office hours: survey

ISLAMABAD: Digital anxiety is becoming a defining feature of modern work culture in Pakistan and across the globe, as an international survey has revealed that more than 83 per cent of employees respond to work-related tasks outside office hours.

A survey conducted by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region found that 83 per cent of respondents keep an eye on office work beyond their designated working hours.

Constant connectivity fuelling workplace stress

The findings paint a concerning picture of round-the-clock digital engagement among professionals. According to the survey, an overwhelming 85 per cent of people reply to all work-related messages on instant messaging applications, while the same proportion — 85 per cent — check work emails during their off hours.

Furthermore, at least 81 per cent of respondents said they reply to work emails while on vacation or during their personal time, highlighting the extent to which the boundary between professional and personal life has eroded in the digital age.

Workplace stress and messaging mishaps

The survey also shed light on various sources of stress linked to digital communication in the workplace. The pressure to remain constantly available is contributing to heightened stress levels among employees, according to the findings.

Among other work-related stressors, 43 per cent of respondents reported experiencing anxiety after accidentally sending a random message to a work chat — a common pitfall in the age of instant messaging platforms.

A growing national concern

An expert has termed the phenomenon a "growing national concern," as the survey data indicates that 83 per cent of people in the region remain tethered to their professional responsibilities well beyond the confines of the traditional workday.

The findings underscore a broader global trend in which the proliferation of digital tools and communication platforms — while enhancing productivity — has simultaneously blurred the lines between work and personal life, leaving employees with little respite from professional obligations.

The Kaspersky survey highlights the need for organisations and policymakers to address the mounting digital anxiety among workers, as the always-on culture continues to take a toll on employee wellbeing across the META region, including Pakistan.