Recent Studies Highlight the Alarming Impact of Emails on Professionals' Mental Health
The tools designed to simplify communication have become a growing source of anxiety in today's hyperconnected work environment.
The Stress of Emails
According to a survey by Flashes, 60% of professionals consider their inbox a source of stress, and nearly 30% feel constant pressure to respond quickly, even outside of work hours. On average, a professional receives over 100 emails per day, with a significant portion requiring immediate action or response, exacerbating mental workload.
The Burden of Email Management
Moreover, 40% of respondents admit to checking their emails as soon as they wake up, fueling the feeling of cognitive overload even before the official start of the day. Email management is also perceived as time-consuming, with over half of professionals estimating they spend at least two hours per day on it. This lost time in email management represents a hindrance to productivity and well-being at work, according to the testimonies.
The Need for Change
Faced with these alarming figures, experts recommend rethinking professional communication practices. Initiatives such as the right to disconnect, internal policies of some companies to reduce email overload (e.g., email-free days), using alternative collaborative tools like Slack or Teams, or training to prioritize and filter emails effectively, could offer sustainable solutions for both parties.
Finding a Balance
The goal is to strike a balance between efficiency and respect for personal boundaries. To achieve this, a collective reflection on workplace communication culture seems essential. Adapting tools, encouraging asynchronous exchanges, and raising managers' awareness of the risks associated with email overload could provide lasting solutions for both parties.
The Importance of a Healthy Work Environment
Emails remain an essential tool for business operations, but their abusive use can harm employees' mental health. The objective is to find a balance between efficiency and respect for personal limits.
