Always on: 83% of employees stay connected to work during time off
A new Kaspersky survey conducted across the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa (META) region shows that digital anxiety is becoming a defining feature of modern work culture, as employees struggle to disconnect during their free time and holidays.
According to the findings, 83% of respondents monitor work tasks outside office hours. A further 85% respond to work-related messages on instant messaging platforms, while the same proportion check work emails during their time off. Notably, 81% admit to replying to emails while on holiday or during personal time.
This constant connectivity is contributing to rising stress levels. Work-related mishaps are also a source of anxiety, with 43% of respondents reporting stress after accidentally sending a message to a work chat. However, not all digital errors are viewed equally - 40% said they remain calm when sending an unfinished email, suggesting some mistakes are perceived as less serious.
Blurred boundaries
Blurred boundaries between professional and personal life, combined with instant communication tools, are intensifying feelings of constant monitoring and fear of making mistakes. More than a third (36%) of respondents said they feel extremely uncomfortable if their employer notices them using social media during working hours. Experts warn that this “always-on” culture may undermine well-being, increase the risk of burnout, and reduce productivity over time.
Kaspersky also cautions that digital anxiety can heighten cybersecurity risks. Under pressure to respond quickly, employees may act impulsively without verifying links, attachments, or sender identities. This makes them more vulnerable to phishing attacks and other social engineering scams.
Brandon Muller, Technical Expert at Kaspersky, said the urgency created by digital communication can lead to poor decision-making. “When people feel pressured to respond immediately, they are more likely to overlook warning signs, increasing the risk of cyber threats,” he noted.
To reduce both stress and risk, Kaspersky advises employees to pause before clicking or replying, treat urgent or unexpected requests with caution, and avoid accessing sensitive information on unsecured networks such as public Wi-Fi. The use of secure connections, including VPNs, is recommended when working remotely.
For businesses, regular cybersecurity training is essential to help employees recognise threats and respond appropriately, even under pressure. Organisations are also encouraged to invest in robust security solutions to minimise the impact of human error and strengthen overall resilience - Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
