A comprehensive survey released by the Italian research institute Eurispes reveals that 68.6% of workers experience symptoms of techno-stress, including eye strain, anxiety, and headaches, driven by the constant demand of digital workplace tools. According to the Eurispes investigation on digital technologies and mental health, nearly half of all professionals—48.2%—hold jobs that require the intensive, round-the-clock use of digital applications and devices.
The Erosion of Personal Boundaries
Modern professional communication routinely stretches past standard business hours, according to the Eurispes data. The survey shows that 77.3% of respondents check professional messages or emails during off-hours at least occasionally, while 43.5% do so frequently or constantly. Furthermore, 75.2% of professionals answer these communications during their free time—with 38.5% doing so at a high frequency—and 68.1% reply to work inquiries while on vacation.
The data indicates that 71.1% of workers feel pressured to reply immediately to work notifications, and 72.9% report difficulty mentally disconnecting from their jobs. This inability to switch off is a regular occurrence for 37.6% of the surveyed workforce.
Qualitative Overload and Mental Fatigue
The burden of workplace technology extends beyond the sheer volume of hours worked into qualitative stress. According to the Eurispes findings:
- 37.6% of respondents feel weighed down by the sheer number of platforms and tools they must manage.
- 36.7% struggle to keep pace with frequent software updates and new digital tools.
- 35.0% report that notifications, calls, and emails actively undermine their daily concentration.
- 39.3% experience mental fatigue directly tied to continuous technology usage.
Additionally, 22.2% of participants view the time absorbed by video meetings as excessive. Despite these widespread pressures, 59.6% of respondents maintain confidence in their ability to draw a hard line between their professional duties and their personal lives.
Health Impacts of Digital Overuse
The physical and mental toll of constant digital engagement manifests clearly in the survey’s health metrics. Over the six months preceding the research period, nearly 68.6% of surveyed individuals reported experiencing physical and psychological symptoms linked to professional techno-stress. One-third of the sample (33.8%) experienced these issues—ranging from chronic fatigue and eye strain to anxiety and headaches—with high frequency.
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