Workplace Telepressure

What Is Telepressure and How Can We Combat It?

Imagine this: It’s dinner time, and your family is gathered around the table, enjoying a meal together. Just as you start to dig in, you hear a ding from your phone or computer. A work-related message has arrived, and suddenly, your attention shifts away from the conversation at the table. This is a classic example of workplace telepressure.

Workplace telepressure is the preoccupation or compulsion to promptly respond to work-related messages [1]. It’s that persistent feeling of needing to be “online” and available at all times, and it can have serious consequences for both employees and organizations. As our use of technology in the workplace has increased, particularly with the rise of remote and hybrid work models post-COVID era, telepressure has become more prevalent. Research indicates that telepressure can lead to declines in sleep quality, work performance, and overall well-being, while increasing burnout and absenteeism (the regular absence of an employee from work beyond what’s usually acceptable) [2]. Here are six practical tips to help prevent telepressure and support your employees’ well-being [3]:

  1. Communicate Clear Availability Boundaries. Encourage employees to establish and discuss their availability and expectations regarding technology use. This might include turning off notifications after work hours or scheduling specific times for checking emails, reducing the pressure to be constantly “on call.”
  2. Utilize the Scheduled Send Feature. Promote the use of email scheduling tools for messages sent outside regular working hours. This helps to alleviate the pressure of expecting immediate responses, especially when others might not be online.
  3. Include Working Hours in Your Email Signature. Add your working hours to your email signature so colleagues and external contacts know when to expect a response from you. This sets clear expectations and helps manage the timing of communications.
  4. Inform Others That Immediate Responses Aren’t Necessary. A simple note in your emails or messages, such as “No need to respond to this tonight,” can significantly reduce the stress associated with receiving work-related communications after hours.
  5. Leverage Collaborative Documents. Use shared documents for storing non-urgent questions and tasks. This allows for efficient organization and discussion during meetings or regular working hours, rather than creating pressure for immediate responses.
  6. Have Management Lead by Example. Leaders should model the behavior they wish to see. When management adheres to these practices, it encourages employees to follow suit, reducing the overall pressure to respond quickly.

Implementing these strategies can be challenging at first, especially if you’re like me. However, once you begin, it becomes easier over time. Pairing these practices with enjoyable activities, like going on long runs and spending quality time with friends and family, allows me to be the best employee I can be. By prioritizing these recharging moments during my free time, I can effectively detach from work and return each day feeling refreshed.

While telepressure is becoming more common, organizations can take proactive steps to address it. Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance employee health and well-being, fostering a more balanced work environment.

About the Author

Alexis Rivkin, MSIO, VMA, is a recent graduate of San Diego State University with a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Her thesis focused on workplace telepressure. With three years of experience consulting on organizational development initiatives for various government and corporate entities, Alexis combines cutting-edge research with her warm interpersonal skills to facilitate meaningful discussions and collaborations.


[1] Barber and Santuzzi (2015)

[2] Barber & Budnick (2024), Salvagioni et al. (2017), Schaufeli & Salanova (2013)

[3] Barber et al. (2023)