German workers face rising digital fatigue and stress

A Thales‑Group event titled “Thales‑Salon” was held on 13 November 2026 in Freiburg, Germany, bringing together recent graduates to discuss digital ethics, corporate responsibility and the mental strain caused by constant connectivity. Organisers highlighted how pervasive digital technologies increase time pressure, blur the line between work and private life and contribute to a growing sense of digital exhaustion among professionals.

Similarly, a broader commentary on German work culture notes that more than 60 % of employees think about their jobs during leisure time and one‑quarter report work‑related thoughts even in sleep. The constant availability via smartphones, email and team‑messaging platforms elevates risks of stress, sleep disturbances and overall burnout. Experts advise setting clear boundaries, turning off work notifications and planning restorative activities to mitigate these effects.