As remote working becomes the norm, ‘ghosting’—where individuals ignore emails and messages—is rising, causing concern among professionals.
- Research conducted by Dr Jenni Kantola has highlighted an increase in workplace ‘ghosting’.
- People are overwhelmed with communication, leading to intentional disengagement from colleagues.
- This phenomenon is perceived as disrespectful and confusing by those affected.
- The findings were presented at the British Academy of Management’s recent conference.
In an era where remote work is increasingly prevalent, the phenomenon of ‘ghosting’, traditionally associated with social settings, is now permeating professional environments. Dr Jenni Kantola, from the Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics, conducted interviews with Finnish remote workers to explore this emerging trend.
The study reveals a concerning rise in workplace ghosting, characterised by the non-response to emails and texts, leaving colleagues isolated and communication hampered. Dr Kantola initiated this research due to the lack of existing studies on the subject and the unclear reasons and impacts surrounding this behaviour.
According to the research, the advent of technology has fostered constant connectivity and flexible working conditions. However, this has led to a communication overload, prompting individuals to limit their interactions with colleagues to better manage work demands. While this may help in self-regulation, it is often perceived as rude and disrespectful, leading to confusion and potential workplace discord.
These insights were shared during the British Academy of Management’s 38th annual conference held at Nottingham Trent University. The conference, which took place from September 2 to September 6, 2024, attracted approximately 1,000 presentations and workshops, providing a comprehensive platform for academic discussion. The British Academy of Management (BAM), a registered charity and the UK’s leading authority on management studies, hosts this event annually to support and engage with scholars, researchers, and practitioners globally.
The rise of ‘ghosting’ in remote work environments highlights the urgent need for improved communication strategies.
