Reducing daily email frequency can significantly lower stress levels and improve overall well-being, according to a 2015 study published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior. Research led by Kostadin Kushlev and Elizabeth Dunn at the University of British Columbia demonstrated that limiting email checks to a few times per day—rather than reacting to constant notifications—mitigates the negative effects of attention fragmentation in the workplace.
Does checking email less often actually reduce stress?
Yes, according to the experimental data provided by researchers at the University of British Columbia. In a two-week study of 124 participants, researchers found that reducing email access to three times per day led to lower reported daily stress compared to a week of unrestricted access. Kushlev, then a PhD candidate, noted that the reduction in stress stemmed from avoiding the “attention fragmentation” caused by constant task-switching. Even when participants struggled to hit the strict three-check-per-day target, they still experienced measurable stress relief by simply reducing their average frequency from 15 checks a day to approximately 4.7.
The primary driver of workplace stress in this study was not the urgency of the emails themselves, but the act of breaking off from a primary task to check an inbox. Each interruption requires a “re-entry cost” to refocus on the original work.
How does attention fragmentation affect productivity?
Attention fragmentation occurs when a worker shifts focus from a primary task to a secondary notification, such as an email or a Slack message. According to the research by Kushlev and Dunn, the mental cost of these transitions is high. While a user may spend only ten seconds checking a notification, the subsequent time required to regain deep focus on the original task is significantly longer. Unlike previous workplace studies that focused on output volume, this research highlights that the constant “always-on” state creates a low-level, persistent hum of stress that is independent of actual workload volume.
What are the future trends in digital workplace habits?
The trend toward “asynchronous communication” is gaining traction as a direct response to the stress of constant connectivity. Organizations are increasingly adopting protocols that discourage immediate replies to non-urgent messages. Industry experts suggest that the future of corporate communication involves “batching”—the practice of grouping similar tasks, such as email processing, into specific time blocks. This shift mirrors the behavior change Kushlev adopted following his own study, where he moved from reactive checking to scheduled, intentional windows of communication.
You don’t need to be a “monk” to see results. Try moving your phone to another room or closing email tabs while tackling a high-priority project. Even if you don’t reach the three-check-a-day goal, moving from 15 checks down to five can provide immediate relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it realistic to check email only three times a day?
Most participants in the University of British Columbia study found it difficult to reach the three-check-a-day goal, averaging about 4.7 checks instead. The research indicates that even attempting to limit frequency produces stress-reducing benefits.
Does the urgency of the email matter?
No. According to the findings, the stress relief was linked to the act of checking less frequently, regardless of the content or urgency of the messages received.
What should I do if I feel overwhelmed by constant notifications?
If you find that digital communication is causing significant distress, researchers suggest consulting with a qualified mental health professional. The study by Kushlev and Dunn is a useful clue regarding attention, but it is not a substitute for clinical advice.
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