Digital Fatigue: A New Challenge to Work Performance in Public Sector Organizations

Abstract

The transition toward digital government has led public sector organizations to extensively adopt digital technologies in administrative processes and public service delivery, within institutional contexts characterized by legal mandates, accountability requirements, and public scrutiny. While these technologies enhance speed, transparency, and work efficiency, they also generate negative consequences for public sector employees, particularly digital fatigue. Digital fatigue arises from continuous and intensive engagement with digital systems and an imbalance between work demands and recovery time. This article aims to explain the concept of digital fatigue, analyze its relationship with work performance in public sector organizations, and reflect on human resource management challenges in the context of digital government transformation. The study employs a literature review approach, drawing on academic research and policy documents from both domestic and international sources related to digital fatigue, technostress, and public sector management.

The analysis indicates that digital fatigue is associated with reduced concentration, motivation, job satisfaction, and overall work performance among public sector personnel, with potential implications for the quality and sustainability of public service delivery. The article suggests that public sector organizations should place greater emphasis on human-centered design of digital work systems, appropriate technology use policies, and the development of digital competencies among employees. Such approaches are essential for enhancing work performance and ensuring the long-term sustainability of public sector organizations in the digital era.