"Emotional Exhaustion High" Stress and Headaches Increase Due to Digital Communication After Work Hours

"Serious Personal and Social Issues"

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[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Jinsoo Lee] A recent study found that increased emailing or messaging after work hours raises the likelihood of suffering from stress, emotional exhaustion, headaches, and back pain.

Researchers at the University of South Australia conducted a survey from June to November last year involving 2,200 university staff members from 40 universities to examine the correlation between email and message exchanges and health issues.

The researchers chose university staff as their subjects because they are proficient in using advanced technology and play a crucial role in economic, social, and cultural prosperity.

Among the respondents, 21% said their supervisors expected responses to work-related messages, calls, or emails even after work hours. A significant 55% reported engaging in work-related digital communication with colleagues outside of work hours. Additionally, 30% said they exchanged messages on the same day even during weekends.

Among those who said their supervisors expected message responses after work hours (70.4%), stress levels were higher compared to others (45.2%). Emotional exhaustion was also relatively severe, recorded at 63.5% versus 35.2%. Those reporting headaches and back pain reached 22.1% and 11.5%, respectively.

The problem is not limited to supervisors. Respondents also complained that colleagues disturb them outside of work hours. Their psychological stress levels were also relatively high, with 75.9% reporting stress. Meanwhile, the stress rate among others was only 39.3%. Emotional exhaustion was 65.9% and 35.7%, respectively, and the proportion reporting health problems was 22.1% and 12.5%.

The research team posted these findings on the University of South Australia’s website. Although the results were derived from university staff, the researchers estimated that digital communication outside work hours is spreading throughout society.

Dr. Amy Jae-do, a psychologist at the University of South Australia who participated in the study, stated, "The blurred boundary between home and workplace is a serious issue both personally and socially," adding, "If workers are forced to engage in digital communication outside work hours, it can significantly affect them mentally and physically."