Digital Work Environment Research Articles

Investigating Digital Workspaces: Ethnographic Obstacles and Insights

Purpose- The current study investigates the intricacies of conducting digital workplace ethnography within professional environments, focusing on the critical challenges posed by technological constraints, increased digital workloads, the complexities of navigating virtual ecosystems, and limitations in remote collaboration tools and employee digital literacy. Design/methodology/approach- A mixed-methods research framework encompassed qualitative and quantitative methods. The study involved a pilot sample of 120 participants from a private IT firm, representing diverse roles including employees, managers, and IT professionals. To capture the breadth of digital challenges, structured interviews were administered, probing the participants' interactions with digital tools and assessing the organization’s broader digital culture. Statistical analyses, including correlation and chi-square tests, were utilized to evaluate the relationships between the impact of digital transformation on workplace collaboration and organizational adaptability. Findings-The research findings deliver a detailed exploration of these technological and cultural barriers and their broader consequences for the organization's operational efficacy. Research limitations/implications- Strategic implications are provided, which emphasize the enhancement of digital infrastructure, workforce training, and leadership development initiatives to foster a more resilient and adaptive digital work environment. Originality/value- This study explored workplace challenges within the realm of digital innovation. Drawing from existing research, it presents a solution to the existing problem in the form of Adopting Flexible Work Practices: and enhancing Digital Literacy with Training.

Digital Health Technology on Patient Recovery and Nurse Performance in Indonesia

This study investigates the impact of digital health technology, nurse competence, patient safety protocols, and organizational support on patient recovery and nurse performance within the Indonesian healthcare sector. Utilizing a quantitative approach, data were collected from 120 healthcare professionals through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS 3). The findings reveal that digital health technology, nurse competence, and patient safety protocols positively influence patient recovery, while organizational support and digital health technology significantly enhance nurse performance. Organizational support and patient safety protocols emerged as the strongest predictors of nurse performance and patient recovery, respectively. These results suggest that a comprehensive approach integrating technological, safety, and support factors can substantially improve healthcare outcomes. This study offers practical recommendations for healthcare administrators and policymakers to enhance healthcare quality through strategic investments in digital tools, training, safety protocols, and supportive work environments.

Video consultations among registered nurses in public sector and associated factors

Abstract Background In digital health services, including services for older people, video consultations can enhance access to care while enabling interaction through audio and visual means. Registered nurses are pivotal in digital care delivery and there is a need for more understanding regarding the use of video consultations in nursing. This study aims to examine factors associated with nurses’ video consultations in the public sector. Methods The Finnish ‘Survey on information systems for registered nurses’ was delivered for registered nurses in March 2023. The respondents were asked whether their work had included video consultations in the past six months. Binary logistic regression was used to examine if career stage and digital skills (basic IT-skills, proficiency in data security, skills in digital working environments) were associated with nurses’ video consultations, adjusted for working unit and location of employment. Results The study included 2,525 public sector nurses (92.7% female, mean age 47.34, SD 10.47). Of them, twelve percent had used video consultations with patients. Most nurses used video consultations in outpatient units (63.3%), whereas they were less used among those working in acute care (3.3%), housing services (3.3%) and home-based services (8.2%). Early-career nurses had lower odds (OR .38, 95% CI .19-.73) of video consultations compared to mid-career nurses. Nurses who had good skills in working in digital environments (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.26-3.39) had greater odds of video consultations than those with poorer skills. Conclusions The study suggests a limited adoption of video consultations among public sector nurses, particularly among early-career professionals. Increasing targeted support and training, and the availability of tools for various patient service needs in video consultations, are needed. By recognizing the importance of nurses’ digital skills, digital care delivery could be enhanced and potential public health benefits promoted. Key messages • Relatively few registered nurses used video consultations in the public sector. More research is needed to explore if their usage could be increased safely for patients, also in early nursing careers. • Proficiency in digital work environments is imperative for ensuring the quality of care in video consultations. Therefore, collaborative efforts are required to enhance professionals’ digital skills.

Generative AI: Boosting Adaptability and Reducing Workplace Overload

ABSTRACT In the evolving digital work environment, the rising prevalence of generative AI tools presents a complex challenge for practitioners: deciding whether to allow or restrict their use in organizational settings. Our research contributes to expanding the broaden-and-build theory and the job demands-resources model (JD-R) within the context of generative AI tools usage. This study investigates the impact of generative AI tools on employees’ perceived work overload, focusing on the mediating role of employee adaptability. Utilizing a survey of 307 employees and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) techniques, findings show that generative AI tools usage by employees not only directly reduces perceived work overload but also significantly boosts employee adaptability, further decreasing perceived work overload. This highlights the dual benefits of generative AI tools in the workplace, offering valuable insights for managers on consciously integrating these technologies to enhance adaptability and reduce workload stress.

Unveiling the Shadow of Workplace Cyberbullying in the Digital Age: A Call for Research in Africa

Workplace cyberbullying, exacerbated by the growing prevalence of digital work environments, has emerged as a significant threat to employee well-being and organisational productivity. Despite increasing research attention around the world, there is a critical gap in understanding the unique context and implications of cyberbullying within African workplaces, particularly those operating in digital spaces. This bibliometric analysis, utilising Scopus and Web of Science databases, systematically examines the publications on workplace cyberbullying from 2000 to 2024 using Microsoft Excel and visualisation tools such as VOS Viewer. The findings underscore a stark disparity in research focus, with most studies originating from developed countries and neglecting African organisations’ specific challenges. Although South Africa and Ghana have made initial contributions, a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence, manifestations, and consequences of cyberbullying in diverse African cultural and organisational settings in Africa remains elusive. This study serves as a call to action for researchers and practitioners to prioritise investigations into cyberbullying in Africa, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive interventions and policies tailored to digital work environments. By addressing this research gap, organisations can promote healthier and more sustainable workplaces for employees across Africa.

Digital competence is a must: Manager and safety representative perspectives on evolving job skills and balancing digital work environments in transportation, logistics, and home care

Digital competence is a must: Manager and safety representative perspectives on evolving job skills and balancing digital work environments in transportation, logistics, and home care

Stress from Digital Work: Toward a Unified View of Digital Hindrance Stressors

Digital technologies, although enhancing productivity and communication, also contribute to technostress at work. This study addresses the fragmentation in existing models of hindrance technostressors by proposing a unified hierarchical model of digital hindrance stressors tailored to contemporary digital work environments. The research synthesizes various existing models and uses a mixed-methods approach, including a qualitative prestudy and extensive surveys with more than 5,800 participants to identify and validate 12 first-order and 5 second-order digital hindrance stressors. The new model offers both detailed and streamlined measurement tools, enhancing its applicability in diverse organizational contexts. For practitioners and policymakers, this study provides a comprehensive framework to assess and mitigate the adverse impacts of digital stressors. The unified model allows organizations to understand specific stressors their employees face and implement targeted interventions to improve well-being and productivity. By using this model, occupational health professionals can better address the psychological and physical health implications of technostress. Moreover, the findings offer actionable insights for designing digital work environments that minimize stress and foster a healthier, more productive workforce. This research bridges the gap between theoretical technostress models and practical applications, guiding effective strategies for managing digital workplace stress.

Digital environments as sites for informal workplace learning in knowledge work

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore how digital technologies at work serve as environments for informal workplace learning in knowledge work.Design/methodology/approachDigital ethnography was used to investigate the digital environments of one public sector workplace. The data included observations, interviews and participant diaries.FindingsThe digital work environment consisted of a complex network of technologies and people connected to them. The ethnographic accounts revealed both expansive and restrictive features of the digital environment. Digital technology extended learning opportunities by providing flexible possibilities for interaction, collaboration and access to a wealth of information. On the contrary, digitally mediated presence could restrict learning if the attendance and learning remained superficial. The complexity and constant change in digital workplace environments presented challenges that could potentially restrict learning. Information overload, constant interruptions and changes were burdens that required employees’ skills to manage these challenges.Originality/valueThe authors take a novel approach to view the workplace as a phygital environment in which social, physical and digital environments are combined. Because digital environments are becoming increasingly essential parts of the workplace, it is important to understand how they can support learning.

Employer representatives' experiences of supporting employees with cognitive impairments in a digital work environment.

Digital work poses cognitive demands on all employees, but the impact is greater for employees with cognitive impairments. Digitalization also has significant implications for employer representatives as they are responsible for the work environment. However, knowledge is scarce concerning employer representatives' perspectives on identifying needs and support for employees with cognitive impairments working in a digital work environment. To describe employer representatives' experiences of work environment management with focus on employees with cognitive impairments working in a digital environment. Focus group methodology was used. Six employer representatives with work environment responsibilities participated. One overall theme "Mastering the interconnected processes in a transformative digital work environment" as well as three themes "Facilitating good digital work conditions", "Identifying needs and difficulties in work tasks among employees' with cognitive impairments" and "Pursuing knowledge and collaborations to support employees with cognitive impairments" with subthemes were identified. The themes describe employer representatives' challenges and efforts to identify fluctuating needs in employees with cognitive impairments and, also, to organize and reduce cognitive demands in the work environment to support them. Managing the challenges of an evolving digital work environment and matching individual work ability of employees with cognitive impairments in relation to cognitive demands is an ongoing process. The participants valued cooperation with employees with cognitive impairments but lacked support from expertise. The need to develop and implement a functioning support system for vocational rehabilitation to ensure a sustainable work in digital work environments is indicated.

Personality and teachers' burnout stress: exploring the digital competence as personal job resource in allied health institutions.

Job burnout has severe consequences for teachers and students. This study aimed to measure the direct effects of personality traits on job burnout-stress syndrome among allied health educators. Furthermore, teachers' digital competence was evaluated as a personal job resource for mitigating the negative impact of burnout. This study examined direct relationships between work-related stress syndrome and personality traits, namely, extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and openness to experience. Data was collected from 334 allied health institution teachers through a self-reported questionnaire. Linear regression analysis was used to test for direct effects. Moderating effects were evaluated using Andrew F Hays PROCESS macro v2.16.3. All five personality traits had a significant negative relationship to burnout and teachers' digital competence moderated the relationship between personality traits and burnout. This study's findings provide evidence, that personality is significantly related to job burnout among allied health educators. These empirical findings conclude that personality traits are related to burnout in the non-Western culture of Pakistan. Furthermore, teachers' digital competence acts as a personal job resource and potential moderator in the current digital working environment. Therefore, future teachers should enrich their digital competencies for improved performance, and advanced digital competency courses should be included in their curriculum.

From Craftsmanship to Connectivity

Apprenticeship is a long-valued form of workforce learning. Historical models of craft apprentices learning a trade from a master have prevailed for centuries. In more recent eras, apprenticeship programs have proliferated in industrial sectors and are now facing a revival in corporate settings (Fuller & Sigelman, 2017; Federal Reserve Bank, 2019). However, corporate programs today face different challenges than earlier renditions. Specifically, programs today must enable learning outcomes in a digital context, as professional work today increasingly involves digital or hybrid working environments. Much of the existing literature on apprenticeship focuses on the nature of the craft apprenticeship or the specific features of cognitive apprenticeship within a developmental relationship. Given the rapidly growing number of modern corporate apprenticeship programs, it is essential to understand how learning happens in these dynamic environments. This paper analyzes interview data and five participant case studies to examine a modern corporate apprenticeship program at a multinational consulting firm. The program is a full-time and fully paid learning and working experience for non-degree candidates. It operates in 40 cities across the United States and has enrolled over 2,000 apprentices. Apprentices have formal and informal learning experiences throughout the program, including on-the-job learning. They also work in geographically dispersed teams via a hybrid workplace that is predominantly virtual. Emic themes reveal that digital tools afford apprentices access to a broader networking environment, level up independently, engage in informal betterment with experienced others, and participate in shared discovery and problem-solving with peers. However, situated learning in a project context and strong relationships with various experienced others are equally essential to the digital tools. Drawing upon epistemic lenses of learning that consider how technologies enable learning across multiple activities, environments, and relationships, these findings paint a picture of how apprentices collaboratively engage in value-generating activities as mediated by technology and engage in networked learning.

“Focus Flow” An approach to Distraction Free Environment

In the modern landscape of digital work environments, staying focused on tasks amidst a plethora of distractions has become a significant challenge. To address this issue, the "Focus Flow," a desktop application meticulously crafted to optimize productivity by minimizing interruptions from social media, games, and other potential distractions. The core feature, "Focus Mode," empowers users to isolate and prevent access to distracting applications, fostering an environment conducive to concentration. Technical implementation involves the strategic use of file permissions or firewall rules, ensuring a seamless and secure process running in the background. Beyond distraction control, Focus Flow integrates an array of functionalities. From straightforward to- do lists, local task management, and a documents viewer for seamless file accessibility to a unique Test Mode that transforms the system into a secure environment for standardized test- taking, the application aims to provide a holistic solution to enhance productivity. Moreover, the inclusion of an in-app chat feature enables communication within the application, fostering collaboration without external distractions. A central dashboard serves as a command center, offering quick access to Focus Mode, statistics, task management, and other essential features. The application also incorporates progress tracking, allowing users to visualize trends over time and set and monitor productivity goals. In summary, Focus Flow aspires to redefine the way users approach works, providing a comprehensive toolkit to create a distraction-free and productive work environment.

Fostering Innovative Learning and Satisfaction in Virtual Teamwork: Shedding Light on Apprentices

Purpose: The digital transformation and the increased use of technologies have changed the world of work severely. With it, collaboration and cooperation methods among employees. Therefore, new ways of working together must be applied to work in an international and digital working environment. For Vocational Education and Training (VET), developing new (transversal) competencies to engage in virtual teamwork is necessary to adequately prepare young professionals for the present and future labor market. However, there is little research on the current situation in VET regarding virtual teamwork. Approach: We deployed a cross-sectional design and collected data from N = 181 commercial apprentices in Germany regarding virtual teamwork. We analyze our data using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the interrelationships between input, process, and outcome variables to foster satisfaction and innovative learning in virtual teams as desired targets of VET. To assess these results regarding virtuality, the complexity of tasks, gender of the apprentices, and the size of the training firms, we derived a multigroup analysis (MGA) of our model. Findings: The results indicate that organizational factors have the most significant influence concerning the relationship between input and process factors. Surprisingly, the technical affinity of individuals has only a minor effect. Regarding the relationship between process and outcome factors, motivation and responsibility have the highest impact on innovative learning, whilst communication culture severely affects the perceived satisfaction in virtual teamwork. Conclusion: The findings lead to valuable insights on factors influencing virtual teamwork in VET and can help to design learning programs to prepare young professionals to smoothly transition to and successfully master their future working environments by using new ways of collaboration and cooperation. This is particularly relevant for VET, as prior research has focused primarily on primary and secondary education. Lastly, we identify potential scales and items that help capture some of the inherent constructs of virtual teamwork.

Predicting students’ work world awareness through their readiness and competency for the digital world

In the current fast-paced digital work environment, it has become crucial for individuals to cultivate a deep understanding of the constantly changing nature of the job market. With jobs and career paths becoming increasingly indistinct and unpredictable, developing awareness of the digital work world is more important than ever. This research empirically investigated the degree to which the world of work readiness and competency of distance learning students could serve as predictors for their digital work world awareness. Data were collected from (N = 486) full-time employed undergraduate students at a comprehensive South African distance learning institution. Regression analysis and structural equation modelling were used in the cross-sectional, quantitative study. The study emphasised the significance of developing job certitude, business ingenuity and socio-digital agility as part of students’ career development learning to improve their awareness of the digital work environment. The study enhanced comprehension of the implicit function of students’ work readiness and competency in relation to significant digital-era awareness.

The Potential of Time Break Reminder Program in Digital Work Environments

The Potential of Time Break Reminder Program in Digital Work Environments

Impact of Ethical Leadership and Digital Work Environment toward Employee Performance: The Role of Work Discipline as Mediation

Impact of Ethical Leadership and Digital Work Environment toward Employee Performance: The Role of Work Discipline as Mediation

The relationship between various social work environment elements and hybrid worker well-being

PurposeWork environments are undergoing a transition and COVID-19 accelerated this change. Prior studies have associated various physical, digital and social work environment elements with occupational well-being. However, holistic approaches to the social work environment to compare the effects of the different elements have received less attention. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship of various social work environment elements with hybrid worker well-being. The findings help organizations design their work environments and cultures for the post-COVID era.Design/methodology/approachThe study builds on a quantitative survey with 1,057 respondents. The respondents were randomly selected, the answers were anonymous and the results were based on regression analysis.FindingsThe analysis indicated that working methods and practices, leadership and management practices, organizational communality and social interaction associate with hybrid worker well-being. Organizational values, reward systems and organizational structures yield no association with hybrid worker well-being.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is in that it investigates elements of the social work environment, presents a research model that examines the relationship of social work environment elements with hybrid worker well-being and provides new empirical data on their implications in a comparative manner.

Unravelling the mysteries of cyber incivility: a systematic review and research agenda

PurposeThe current digital work environment promoting a “constant-on” culture is a hotbed for cyber incivility. Thus, there is a pressing need to understand its mechanisms. This study aims to shed light on the triggers, sources and impact of rude behaviours in cyberspace. The authors also present the boundary conditions that exacerbate or alleviate the effects of such negative experiences.Design/methodology/approachThrough a systematic literature review based on predefined search protocols, the authors synthesised the current knowledge on cyber incivility and identified 21 peer-reviewed research articles.FindingsThe findings reveal the different sources of cyber incivility, its personal, relational and organisational antecedents and consequences, and its personal and situational boundary conditions that curb or enhance the negative impact.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors unravel the main future research avenues based on the review findings by systemising knowledge on cyber incivility. Managerial efforts in the form of interventions and mitigation are also discussed to help combat this grieving issue in the workplace.Originality/valueThis paper presents the first systematic review of the cyber incivility literature and identifies new avenues for future research. Scholars can expand upon the findings of this study to fill gaps and move the incivility in cyberspace forward. It also offers practical insights on mitigating the advancement of such behaviours in organisations.

From the well-known to the cutting-edge: Tools to revolutionise your digital workspace in 2024

In today’s digital era, we’re more connected than ever, with endless opportunities at our fingertips. Yet, it was the sudden global pandemic that truly thrust us into the heart of this digital transformation. As medical writers, we found ourselves at an interesting intersection: our profession, rooted in evidence and detail, meets the ever-evolving world of digital tools. Three years since the pandemic began, it’s time to ponder: How has our digital work environment changed? How have we adapted, grown, and maybe even thrived in this new setting? While many of us smoothly transitioned into the digital world, some faced a steep learning curve, diving into unfamiliar tools and technologies. As 2024 nears, an important question remains: How can we optimise our digital workspaces? We need to ensure we’re not just equipped with the basics but also with the latest innovations suited for our profession and work-life interface.

Transformasi Komunikasi dan Kolaborasi: Mendalami Microsoft Lync

This article explores the critical role of communication and collaboration technologies, especially Microsoft Lync (now known as Microsoft Teams), in the context of a constantly changing business environment. This study aims to analyze how Microsoft Lync influences the transformation of business communication and its impact on today’s digital work environment. The introduction of Microsoft Lync, its evolution to Microsoft Teams, and its critical role in supporting modern business communications are discussed in detail. This study uses qualitative research methods by analyzing various sources such as scientific journals, books, and indexed trusted websites. This approach helps in understanding the transformation of communication and collaboration with Microsoft Lync as an intermediary tool. This article covers the benefits of Microsoft Lync, best practices for using it, and negative impacts to be aware of. The features of Microsoft Lync, how to use them, and their key role in enhancing communication and collaboration in business environments are emphasized. This article also provides insight into the history of Microsoft Lync’s evolution to Microsoft Teams, and the challenges that may arise in using it. By highlighting its important role, this research conveys a better understanding of how technologies such as Microsoft Lync have changed the way communication and collaboration work in the business world.