A review and agenda for examining how technology-driven changes at work will impact workplace mental health and employee well-being

Abstract

The mental health and well-being of employees is an increasingly important issue, both in terms of the financial costs to the Australian economy and human costs to society. This review examines two major technology-driven trends in the workplace and presents evidence for their impact on mental health, both positive and negative. First, we consider how we work, with a focus on changes which have been driven by automation and advanced technology in the workplace. Next, we consider where and when we work, with a focus on flexible work arrangements afforded by changes in telecommunication technology. Finally, we look forward with a critical lens to examine the implications for future research and for industry, government and education. JEL Classification: I31

Early Childhood Educators’ Perceptions of Their Emotional State, Relationships with Parents, Challenges, and Opportunities During the Early Stage of the Pandemic

“…It has benefits, as well as disadvantages, for workers (Hamouche, 2020). In terms of benefits, Johnson et al (2020) point out that the flexibility associated with remote work would facilitate the planning and adjustment of working hours for family tasks, which would improve worker control and autonomy, while preventing anxiety and depression during abrupt transitions. Baert et al (2020) add that remote work during COVID-19 has generally increased job satisfaction and efficiency, concentration, and work-life balance, while reducing workrelated stress and the risk of burnout.…”

“…Baert et al (2020) add that remote work during COVID-19 has generally increased job satisfaction and efficiency, concentration, and work-life balance, while reducing workrelated stress and the risk of burnout. Nevertheless, there are disadvantages to remote work, such as social isolation and loneliness, particularly related to the decrease in interactions between colleagues, and an increase in family conflicts, particularly concerning work-family balance (Johnson et al 2020). In the same vein, in her literature review about remote work during COVID-19, Hamouche (2020) identified difficulties in demarcating borders between private and professional life, therefore increasing workloads (e.g., hours spent working).…”

“…Indeed, when the educators had to perform many new activities during remote work periods, they reported lower levels of stress and higher levels of wellbeing in this context than in the context of working in the ECS. It is conceivable that the flexibility associated with the remote work environment (Johnson et al, 2020) has been able to increase educator resources and thus contribute to higher levels of wellbeing and lower levels of stress in the context of remote work. Especially since the aspects of remote work that were most appreciated by the early childhood educators in this study concern precisely the possibility of going at their own pace and whether or not they have children at home, the concept of having some control over the situation and flexibility, as mentioned by Johnson et al (2020) among the advantages of remote work, may be important resources for educators in this context.…”

Remote e-Workers’ Psychological Well-being and Career Development in the Era of COVID-19: Challenges, Success Factors, and the Roles of HRD Professionals

“…For remote e-workers, communication with colleagues and supervisors plays a critical role in psychological well-being by sharing information and work processes, identifying problems and implementing solutions, and building relationships in work groups (Crawford et al, 2011;Nayani et al, 2018). When remote e-workers have more opportunities to develop and maintain social relationships with colleagues and managers, they have higher levels of psychological well-being because they are less likely to feel excluded from the workplace (Johnson et al, 2020). Support from colleagues and supervisors can help remote e-workers perceive psychological well-being by allowing them to seek advice from co-workers and managers and to link to work groups (Nayani et al, 2018).…”

Antecedents of employee wellbeing in the banking sector: the moderating role of working environment

“…In the modern era, work-related stress has been greatly exacerbated by adversarial psychosocial working conditions. It is the organizations' responsibility to look after the mental health and well-being of employees (Johnson et al, 2020). It is imperative that the 'third goal' of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations is to focus on "good health and wellbeing," which has increased awareness and importance among policymakers and researchers globally (George et al, 2016).…”