Negative consequences of ICT job demands in the workplace: digital transformation stress in general and aging samples

Digital transformation (DT) is increasingly shaping business strategies, a shift driven by the rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICT). This dynamic has intensified ICT job demands, such as ICT Workload, leading to increased digital transformation stress (DTS). Many studies also attribute digital stress to an aging workforce and their presumed low ICT skills. Therefore, to explore this issue, we conducted two studies based on the Job Demands-Resource model. A cross-sectional analysis (N = 165) first identified five specific ICT job demands as predictors of DTS. Remarkably, this study found that even employees with high ICT skills experience DTS, suggesting that DTS is a direct response to ICT demands rather than ICT skill levels. Building on these findings, a longitudinal study (NT1 = 1115, NT2 = 799, and NT3 = 512 participants) with employees aged 45 and above confirmed which ICT demands have the strongest and most sustained impact on DTS over time. In summary, our findings consistently reveal that ICT Workload, Hassles, and Poor Communication are the most significant and persistent predictors of DTS. This research provides a more nuanced understanding of DTS, highlighting the role of rising ICT demands of the workplace.