Human factors associated with techno-eustress and techno-distress

Abstract

Digital stress, also known as technostress, has become a significant challenge for organizations undergoing digital transformation. A major concern relates to employees’ perceived physical and mental health in connection with the use of digital tools and software, as well as their level of digital competence. While negative technostress, i.e., distress has received considerable attention due to the increasing digital demands at work and during leisure time, the positive form, i.e., eustress has been mentioned far less frequently in previous studies. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying techno-eustress are not yet well understood and warrant investigation at the organizational level. This study aimed to identify the human factors associated with perceived techno-eustress and techno-distress. Specifically, it examined why some employees view digital tools and software positively, while others perceive them negatively. A large survey using modified versions of the Salanova’s and Tarafdar’s technostress instruments was conducted among public-sector organizations in Finland in spring 2025, yielding 607 responses. The data were analysed using SPSS-29, employing independent samples t-tests and Pearson correlation tests. The findings indicate that employees within the same population may experience eustress or distress depending on their digital competence, age, work tasks and attitudes towards artificial intelligence tools. Overall, the results suggest that organizations can develop digital strategies that emphasize human factors positively associated with techno-eustress.

Keywords: Technostress, Eustress, Digital Skills, Artificial Intelligence

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007593