A Study on the Impact of Digital Fatigue and Cognitive Load on Employee Productivity and Work Life Balance with reference to IT Sector in Chennai

Abstract: This study examines the impact of digital fatigue and cognitive load on employee productivity and work–life balance in the IT sector in Chennai. In today’s technology-driven work environment, employees are increasingly exposed to prolonged screen time, multitasking and constant digital connectivity, which often lead to mental exhaustion and reduced efficiency. The study adopts a descriptive research design and uses primary data collected from 113 IT employees through a structured questionnaire using the snowball sampling technique. Secondary data from journals and research articles support the study. Statistical tools such as descriptive statistics, correlation, regression and factor analysis were employed for data analysis. The findings reveal that digital fatigue and cognitive load have a significant negative impact on both employee productivity and work–life balance. Key contributing factors include information overload, continuous virtual meetings and lack of adequate digital breaks. These issues lead to decreased concentration, increased stress and difficulty in managing personal and professional life. The study suggests that practices such as regular digital breaks and better digital management strategies can improve employee well-being, productivity and overall work performance.

Keywords: Digital Fatigue, Cognitive Load, Employee Productivity, Work–Life Balance, IT Sector.