A South Korean study has identified and compared the associations between long working hours, the use of work-related devices after hours, and anxiety symptoms.
Out of the 46,055 study participants, 55.7% used work-related communication devices outside of regular working hours, 17.7% worked long hours, and 5.8% experienced anxiety symptoms.
Compared to the reference group, individuals who used work-related communication devices after hours but didn't work long hours had a higher likelihood of anxiety symptoms than those who worked long hours without using such devices after hours.
Additionally, individuals who both worked long hours and used work-related communication devices after hours showed the highest likelihood of anxiety symptoms.
This has led researchers to conclude using work-related communication devices outside of working hours poses a greater risk of anxiety symptoms compared to working long hours alone and suggests when considering changes to work hours, the use of devices outside of hours should be considered.
Access the full study here. Read about recently passed Australian legislation establishing the right to disconnect here.