Techno-strain and techno-insecurity are associated with poor mental well-being in specific age and occupation groups.

Abstract

Objectives: Innovative technology at work can lead to stress and has been linked with adverse work and health consequences. This study aimed to examine the association of techno-insecurity and techno-strain with mental well-being in different age and occupational groups.

Methods: We used a nationally representative survey of the working population and restricted our analyses to 2814 employees who reported being engaged with new technology. Techno-insecurity and techno-strain were evaluated by a single question each. Mental health status was assessed by a 5-item scale, and burnout status was assessed by the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. We used logistic regression analysis to examine the association of techno-insecurity and techno-strain with mental well-being, adjusting for job control, psychological demands, job insecurity, and workplace violence. We further stratified study participants by age and occupational group and examined the association in each group.

Results: One-fifth of the study participants reported having techno-insecurity and techno-strain. Techno-insecurity was associated with a 1.8-fold increased risk of poor mental health and high burnout, whereas techno-strain was associated with a 2.2-fold increased risk of having poor mental health and high burnout. The associations between techno-insecurity or techno-strain and poor mental health were most profound among middle-aged workers. Among all occupational groups, the associations between techno-insecurity or techno-strain and burnout were most profound among manual workers.

Conclusions: Techno-strain and techno-insecurity are emerging occupational mental health threats, particularly among middle-aged and manual workers. To promote mental health, resources provided by the organization are needed to help employees cope and work with technology.