A recent study by the London-based Future Work Centre has found that the pressure to constantly check emails is taking a toll on the mental well-being of workers, particularly those in the younger demographic.
The report, which surveyed nearly 2,000 working people, revealed a strong correlation between the use of “push” email facilities, where new messages automatically appear on devices, and perceived email-related stress. Those who received emails this way were more likely to report higher levels of pressure.
The study also found that checking emails first thing in the morning or late at night was associated with greater email-induced stress, and managers were the most affected group. Interestingly, personality played a key role in determining how much email pressure individuals felt and how it impacted their work-life balance.
Notably, the pressure to stay on top of emails was highest among younger workers and decreased with age. Employees in the IT, marketing, internet, media, and public relations sectors were particularly susceptible, with at least 30% reporting they received more than 50 emails per day.
To combat this issue, the report suggests turning off automatic email notifications and avoiding the habit of checking and responding to messages as the first or last thing one does each day. Fundamentally, it emphasises the need to convince oneself that it is not necessary to constantly monitor one’s inbox and respond to every message, even when not required.
In 2014, it was reported that the German employment minister was considering “anti-stress” legislation to prohibit companies from contacting employees outside of work hours, except in emergencies. This followed rising levels of workplace stress.
In the UK, employers cannot force employees to work outside of their contracted hours unless the contract explicitly provides for compulsory overtime. Even then, workers cannot usually be required to work more than an average of 48 hours per week. Employers also have a legal duty to assess and control the risks of work-related stress, and employees can raise formal grievances if they are unable to cope.
As the pressure to stay connected continues to mount, particularly for younger workers, it is crucial that both employers and employees take proactive steps to address the mental health implications of constant email monitoring.