Technostress Phenomenon as a Silent Impact of ICT Era: Case Study Indonesian Female Civil Servants

Abstract

The transition of work systems from traditional systems to information, communication and technology (ICT)-based work systems after Covid 19 has had certain impacts on employees in all government offices in the world. The implementation of the work from home (WFH) policy established by a number of government offices in Indonesia is a reasonable decision to anticipate the spread of Covid 19 and implement a new normal work system. The transition from traditional work systems to new ICT-based and online work systems has had a direct and indirect impact on human life, especially civil servants in government offices in Indonesia. There are silent actors who are most affected, suchus women or mothers employee, because they have dual roles, household work and office work. This research was conducted to analyze the factors that driving technostress in female civil servants when working ICT-based or online. The study aims to carry out advocacy and provide recommendations for solutions to related parties. This research method uses a qualitative approach. The research analysis show that there are several factors that trigger technostress in female civil servants in Indonesia, such as unlimited working hours, when children or family members are sick, have to caring babies or toddlers while working virtually, technological capabilities issue, signal and network issue, limited facilities during WFH, unavailability of household assistants/caregivers, and so on. Based on the results of research and data analysis, this research recommends that even though WFO or WFH with working ICT -base system are implemented, the Indonesian Government must continue to make policy regulations regarding maximum working time hours for civil servants, especially female researchers in Indonesia. This is to avoid excessive and inefficient working time which can result in technostress. The ICT work system teaches us to change our lifestyle by prioritizing health and a balanced work system.