Analyzing the Effects of Distractions While Working from Home on Burnout Complaints and Stress Levels among Office Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a massive switch from working at the office to working from home fulltime to minimize the spread of the virus. One of the main challenges, while working from home, are workspace distractions that might also affect employees' mental health. This study aims to analyze the influence of workspace-and personal characteristics, mediated by workspace distractions at home, on employees' stress and burnout levels. Results indicate a major influence of workspace distractions on stress levels and disengagement from the job, affected by physical workspace characteristics.

Introduction to the Minitrack on Responsible Innovation in Collaborative, Connected, and Intelligent Systems: Design, Implementation, and Governance

“…One possible factor that could help mitigate the negative effects could be an employee's ability to control their work environment. A study by Bergefurt et al (2021) found that the presence of distractions in a remote work environment negatively impacted productivity and contributed to stress and burnout, though it suggested that increased control over these factors could mitigate the impact. By exerting a greater degree of control over one's work environment, workers can manage these inhibiting factors, for example by closing their door, purchasing a standing desk, or finding a suitable computer monitor.…”

Work fatigue during COVID-19 lockdown teleworking: the role of psychosocial, environmental, and social working conditions

“…Studies that focused on occupational health have only observed aspects that were related to poor privacy fit (different types of interruptions, cf. Leroy et al, 2021 , distractions, Bergefurt et al, 2021 ). These studies indicated negative associations with overall stress ( Bergefurt et al, 2021 , 2022 ; see footnote 1), mood ( Bergefurt et al, 2022 ), dimensions of burnout (incl.…”

“… Leroy et al, 2021 , distractions, Bergefurt et al, 2021 ). These studies indicated negative associations with overall stress ( Bergefurt et al, 2021 , 2022 ; see footnote 1), mood ( Bergefurt et al, 2022 ), dimensions of burnout (incl. Emotional fatigue, Bergefurt et al, 2021 ; Leroy et al, 2021 ), and multiple aspects of mental health ( Xiao et al, 2021 ).…”

“…These studies indicated negative associations with overall stress ( Bergefurt et al, 2021 , 2022 ; see footnote 1), mood ( Bergefurt et al, 2022 ), dimensions of burnout (incl. Emotional fatigue, Bergefurt et al, 2021 ; Leroy et al, 2021 ), and multiple aspects of mental health ( Xiao et al, 2021 ). However, none of the studies distinctly assessed the relationship between all dimensions of privacy fit (distractions, interruptions, task and conversation privacy) and all dimensions of work fatigue (emotional, mental, physical).…”

“…Some experienced privacy-related advantages, such as less distractions/interruptions, that were related to increases in concentration and productivity ( Ipsen et al, 2020 , 2021 ; Pfnür et al, 2021 ). Others reported problems with privacy, distraction, or interruptions since pandemic teleworking ( Ipsen et al, 2020 ; Bergefurt et al, 2021 ; Ipsen et al, 2021 ; Leroy et al, 2021 ; Xiao et al, 2021 ; Bergefurt et al, 2022 ; Wütschert et al, 2022 ; Park et al, 2023 ). Considering the acknowledged impact of privacy fit on occupational health, likely predictors of privacy fit ought to be explored.…”