Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/ ZENODOarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
ZENODO
Article . 2023
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
ZENODO
Article . 2023
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
ZENODO
Article . 2023
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
versions View all 2 versions
addClaim

The Cost of Convenience: How Excessive Email Use Impacts Our Health

Authors: George, Dr.A.Shaji; A.S.Hovan George;

The Cost of Convenience: How Excessive Email Use Impacts Our Health

Abstract

Email has become a ubiquitous form of communication in the modern workplace. While email enables efficiency and convenience, research suggests that excessive email use can have detrimental impacts on mental and physical health. This paper reviews studies analyzing the effects of high email volume on factors like stress, focus, and work-life balance. A meta-analysis synthesizes findings from 24 studies tracking over 5,000 office workers' email habits. Results indicate that those who received over 100 emails per day had significantly higher stress hormone levels compared to the lowest email volume group. Furthermore, the high email group reported markedly higher rates of neck pain, eye strain, and sleep disturbances. These outcomes were independent of total work hours, suggesting email overuse specifically impairs wellbeing. Proposed mechanisms include constant multitasking and interruptions degrading focus and elevating frustration. The pressure to frequently check and respond to emails also blurs work-life boundaries. However, few organizations have policies around email expectations, and most individuals fail to set healthy email limits. Intervention studies limiting work email to specified times show lowered anxiety and increased engagement during focused work periods. This paper argues that while email enables convenient communication, chronic overload takes a toll on our productivity and health. Organizations should institute "email hygiene" policies that discourage expectations of constant availability. Individuals must also proactively set boundaries and develop mindfulness around email habits. Though more research is needed on long-term physical and mental health impacts, the current evidence suggests a cultural shift toward email mindfulness could substantially improve worker welfare. With email integrated into modern life, we must mitigate its overuse risks through workplace initiatives and personal practices promoting more balanced, focused usage.

Keywords

Email, Stress, Productivity, Focus, Burnout, Work-life balance, Availability, Wellbeing, Communication, Knowledge work.

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    OpenAIRE UsageCounts
    Usage byUsageCounts
    visibility views 9
    download downloads 6
  • 9
    views
    6
    downloads
    Powered byOpenAIRE UsageCounts
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
visibility
download
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
views
OpenAIRE UsageCountsViews provided by UsageCounts
downloads
OpenAIRE UsageCountsDownloads provided by UsageCounts
0
Average
Average
Average
9
6
Green
Related to Research communities