‘Doom-scrolling’ after work may be worsening burnout, experts warn

As Stress Awareness Month draws attention to wellbeing across the UK, experts have warned that post-work ‘doom-scrolling’ could be preventing employees from properly switching off.

According to insights from BestBuy Office Chairs, 63% of employees reported showing signs of burnout by the end of the working day, with remote and hybrid working continuing to blur the boundaries between professional and personal life.

While scrolling through social media is often seen as a way to relax, workplace experts said it can have the opposite effect.

Continuous consumption of online content may overstimulate the brain, making it harder to mentally disengage from work.

This can prolong stress, disrupt sleep and reinforce feelings of burnout, particularly when users are exposed to negative or overwhelming content.

James Mackie, workplace expert at BestBuy Office Chairs, said: “Changing into more comfortable clothes, taking a shower, or something as simple as turning off your computer can help to signal that the work day is over, making it easier to relax and wind down.

“Making a to-do list for the following work day can be a simple way to wind down. Writing down everything you need to do the next day separates the here-and-now from tomorrow’s workload, preventing overload throughout the evening.”

“Spending time with family, friends and pets can also help us relax and create purposeful downtime. Real-world connections are much more effective when we focus on the here-and-now.”