Publication
Towards a Blueprint for Practitioners to Enhance Digital Awareness: Preliminary Observations on AI-Related Workplace Stressors
Katharina-Maria Illgen; Laura Hein; Nina Kolchmeyer; Kim Pham; Oliver Thomas
In: Proceedings of the Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS-2026), HICSS, 2026.
Abstract
The growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace introduces both positive and negative stressors that affect employee well-being and organizational efficiency, requiring effective management of these dynamics. Empirical evidence on the effectiveness of digital awareness training in mitigating AI-related stress remains scarce. This pilot study develops a digital awareness training and evaluates its impact on AI-related stress appraisal, including techno-distress, techno-eustress, and attitudes towards AI (fear vs. acceptance). Results from a heterogeneous sample of employees (n = 32) from small and medium-sized enterprises indicate a significant reduction in techno-overload, with tendencies towards improved work facilitation and information literacy. These results offer an initial, evidence-based blueprint for digital awareness interventions, offering actionable insights for reducing techno-distress and promoting digital literacy. Further longitudinal and repeated-intervention studies are needed to validate and sustain these effects over time.