Exploring the relationship between techno-unreliability at work and burnout

Abstract

Abstract Objective With the growing dissemination of digital technologies in the workplace, technologies itself and related factors are increasingly discussed as an additional source of work stress, often referred to as technostress. This paper explores whether techno-unreliability as a dimension of technostress is associated to burnout. Methods We perform linear regression analyses based on a large representative sample of German employees collected in 2019. We distinguish between ICT users (N = 4,702) and tool users (N = 1,953). Interaction models explore whether individual and workplace-related factors might moderate the relationship. Results The results indicate that the more frequently employees experience techno-induced interruptions (as an indicator for techno-unreliability), the stronger their burnout symptoms. Interaction models reveal that social support and job autonomy might buffer this association. Conclusions Ensuring reliable technology and technical support can reduce employee stress.