Emma-Jane Truter | Founder and Head Social Media Strategist | Emma Is Social | mail me |
The idea of “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO) is something most of us are now very familiar with. As people, we’ve always had a propensity to worry about missing exciting events or experiences, but social media has exacerbated these feelings by giving us a front row seat into everyone else’s social lives. And this has resulted in a lot of ‘I wish I was there’ or ‘why can’t I be doing that’. But at this point, FOMO has only really related to one’s personal life – however, experts believe this thinking is now playing a role in the workplace, with disastrous effects on mental health.
According to research conducted by the University of Nottingham’s Schools of Psychology and Medicine, FOMO in the context of the workplace is defined as anxiety about missing out on important information, updates, meetings as well as relationships with co-workers and clients.
Gone are the days when you could turn off your computer, close the office door and drive home, only to see your emails again the next morning. Today, we’re always online, in our cars, on our lunch breaks, at social events and even in bed. And it’s not just our social feeds we are checking, many of us are fielding countless work WhatsApp groups and checking emails, so we can respond immediately. With private time out the window, it’s not at all surprising that more and more people are suffering from burnout.
The digital workplace
The pandemic not only introduced us to the digital workplace but also made it a non-negotiable. For two years or more, much of the world worked from home – whether it be from the kitchen table, couch or makeshift office. Thereafter, hybrid arrangements came into play, after which many went back to the office, while others chose a permanent remote working life. No matter the route taken, however, there’s no denying that the advent of the digital workplace not only changed the way we work but changed the way we think about work.
Digital technologies have fundamentally reshaped the way work happens, and has given us greater flexibility and autonomy, but with this has come with an inability to switch off. And then, the more we do, the more work we seem to get and take on, with overloading and high levels of anxiety developing as a result.
Understanding workplace FOMO
The digital workplace has helped to fuel the fast-paced world of modern work culture that we all encounter every day. Connectivity is constant, information is everywhere, and it seems like we’ve never had so many meetings in our diaries, ever.
With so much information flowing from one place to another, many employees are suffering with anxiety relating to…
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Related FAQs: Burnout and FOMO
Q: What is the relationship between burnout and FOMO at work?
A: Burnout and FOMO at work are closely linked. FOMO can significantly increase the risk of burnout. Employees constantly worry about missing important updates or opportunities. As a result, their stress levels rise. Elevated stress is a key risk factor for burnout.
Q: How can FOMO contribute to burnout at work?
A: FOMO contributes to burnout at work by overwhelming employees. The constant flow of information pressures them to stay connected. Consequently, their stress levels increase. If they do not manage this stress properly, it can ultimately lead to burnout.
Q: What are some risk factors for burnout in the workplace?
A: Excessive workload, lack of support and poor work-life balance commonly increase burnout risk in the workplace. High stress levels also contribute. Additionally, FOMO affects employee mental health by causing anxiety and feelings of inadequacy.
Q: How can employees cope with burnout and FOMO?
A: Employees can cope with burnout and FOMO by setting boundaries and prioritising tasks. Seeking mental health support also helps. Additionally, using collaboration tools effectively manages information flow. This reduces the sense of being overwhelmed that often leads to burnout.
Q: What strategies can help prevent burnout related to FOMO?
A: Employees should maintain a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout related to FOMO. They must limit engagement with constant notifications. Practicing mindfulness also helps reduce stress. Moreover, promoting a secure work environment prevents employees from fearing they might miss out.
Q: How does information overload affect employee mental health?
A: Information overload harms employee mental health by increasing stress and burnout. Too much information bombards workers and reduces focus. As a result, they struggle to cope with daily tasks. Ultimately, this impact can also affect their physical health.
Q: Are there any health conditions associated with burnout at work?
A: Burnout at work can cause various health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders and cardiovascular issues. Employees must recognise burnout signs early. Addressing these signs promptly helps maintain overall health and well-being.
Q: What role do collaboration tools play in managing burnout and FOMO?
A: Collaboration tools help manage burnout and FOMO by streamlining communication. They reduce the need for constant updates. However, using these tools without mindfulness may cause workers to worry about missing out. This worry increases stress and the potential for burnout.
Q: How can organisations help employees cope with burnout and FOMO?
A: Organisations can support employees by providing mental health resources to cope with burnout and FOMO. Promoting open communication also helps. Ensuring manageable workloads prevents excessive stress. Additionally, training employees to use collaboration tools effectively reduces information overload and improves productivity.
Q: Can FOMO impact work and personal life balance?
A: FOMO can greatly affect the balance between work and personal life. Employees often fear missing important work-related events. As a result, this fear invades their personal time. Consequently, increased stress and burnout become more likely.