Workplace Assigned Mobile Communication Devices and Employee Stress

Abstract

A literature review of the important role played by stress in workplace performance, the correlation between workplace assigned mobile communication devices and stress as well as measures that can be taken to alleviate such stress is presented in this paper. Workplace stress can cause problems ranging from mild anxiety to serious problems which could cause death. Stress can also have an adverse effect on the productivity and morale of employees. The modern workplace is rife with a large variety of stressors. With the rapid advance in communications technology, mobile communication devices are new possible stressors which have become widely prevalent over the past few years. These devices allow employees to be in constant communication with workplace activities. They are invaluable tools for employees who travel frequently and who are required to be on call. This paper seeks to present a review of current literature that investigates the possible correlation between workplace stress and mobile communication devices. Managers that require employees to monitor their communication device after work hours and while on vacation could be placing undue stress on their employees’ well-being. Some employees feel that they will miss out on something or get into trouble if they are not in constant communication. A separation between work and personal life must be present to reduce stress among employees and managers. Such a separation is vital to the health and well being of all concerned.
The role played by workplace assigned mobile communication devices has been studied in this paper. This is a timely addition to the literature in this area in light of the increasingly ‘mobile’ nature of the modern workplace.