Employee Well-Being in Hybrid Work Environments: Balancing Productivity, Preventing Digital Burnout, and Promoting Mental Health in the Era of Remote and Flexible Work

Abstract

Study examined the impact of hybrid work conditions on employee productivity, digital burnout, mental health outcomes, and organizational well-being support among professionals across technology, education, and finance sectors. Drawing on responses from 320 participants, the results revealed that hybrid work significantly improved flexibility, focus, and goal achievement while reducing commuting-related fatigues. However, a considerable proportion of employees reported moderate to high levels of digital burnout, primarily linked to mental exhaustion, difficulty disconnecting, and reduced motivation for online meetings. Advanced analyses revealed sector and gender disparities in burnout, with the education sector and female employees at higher risk. Screen time and meeting load were key predictors of burnout, while organizational support was a critical buffer. A mediated model confirmed that digital burnout partially explains the negative impact of screen time on job satisfaction, an effect that is weakened by strong organizational support. Despite these challenges, most participants maintained positive mental health outcomes, including satisfactory work-life balance and job satisfaction, reflecting the buffering role of perceived organizational support for well-being, such as flexible scheduling and mental health initiatives. The findings highlight the dual nature of hybrid work: it enhances productivity and autonomy while also intensifying screen fatigue and emotional strain. These insights contribute to the growing literature on post-pandemic work structures, emphasizing the need for human-centered organizational policies and sustainable digital engagement strategies. The study concludes that maintaining employee well-being in hybrid models requires proactive managerial support, structured communication, and digital detox initiatives. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts and sector-specific adaptations to better optimize hybrid work frameworks for productivity and mental resilience.

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