Abstract

As the Department of Defense (DoD) accelerates its digital modernization efforts, its civilian and uniformed workforce is increasingly expected to master complex information and communication technologies (ICTs) without commensurate investment in reskilling and support. This misalignment between technological demands and individual capabilities intensifies technostress, defined as "a modern disease of adaptation caused by an inability to cope with new computer technologies healthily" (Brod, 1984). The resulting strain, manifested through continuous connectivity, information overload, and rapid technological change, poses significant risks to operational readiness, decision-making, and workforce resilience. This research-in-progress presents a qualitative study examining technostress within the DoD through in-depth interviews and targeted panel discussions with civilian, reserve, and active-duty personnel. Drawing upon the Transaction Theory of Stress and Coping (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) and Task–Technology Fit Theory (Goodhue & Thompson, 1995), this study seeks to uncover how individuals appraise and respond to digital demands and how well current ICT tools align with operational tasks. The study explores technostress's psychological and organizational consequences and identifies mitigation strategies emphasizing digital wellness and organizational practices promoting healthy and sustainable technology use. This study contributes to the information systems literature by extending technostress research into underexamined high-reliability, security-sensitive environments. It also provides practical insights for defense organizations seeking to design interventions that reduce burnout and enhance employee well-being. This study's expected findings will inform leadership practices and policy recommendations that support technology adoption while safeguarding the defense workforce's health, satisfaction, and retention.

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