Workplace nomophobia: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Nomophobia, or the fear of being without one’s smartphone, is a growing concern in workplaces around the world. This phenomenon affects both employee well-being and organizational productivity. Despite its prevalence, there is a notable lack of systematic reviews investigating nomophobia in workplace, as well as the factors that intensify or inhibit it in workplace settings. This paper bridges this gap by conducting a systematic literature review of workplace nomophobia, drawing insights from 15,009 observations across 36 studies. Our review uncovers the widespread nature of nomophobia, its antecedents, symptoms, and the significant consequences it has in professional settings, such as increased anxiety, work stress, and frequent work interruptions. Demographic factors like age, gender, and education level influence the severity of nomophobia, with younger and more educated employees being especially vulnerable. The findings highlight the urgent need for interventions and organizational strategies to mitigate the negative effects of nomophobia and foster healthier digital habits at work. This study enriches the theoretical understanding of nomophobia and offers practical insights for future research and organizational practice.