Information overload: 83% feel overwhelmed by too much workplace knowledge

NEW YORK — You don’t have to work in tech or science to suffer from information overload. One in five frontline workers feel so overwhelmed by information that it’s driven them to consider quitting.

A new poll of 1,000 U.S. workers in retail, food service, fitness, and hospitality found that 83% feel overwhelmed to some degree by the amount of information they need to do their jobs properly. Over 40% blame their work-related stress on not knowing certain skills as part of their job role. Over half (55%) also admitted they’re more likely to make a mistake if they’re feeling stressed by their job. Adding to their stress, three in four struggle on some level to stay updated on what information is needed to do their work.

Commissioned by Wisetail and conducted by Talker Research, the study found that three in 10 are either unsure or positive their company isn’t able to provide them with up-to-date and consistent training resources. However, many workers believe when their employers do give them proper resources, it can make a world of difference.

Eighty-three percent claim it’s easy for them to learn skills for their job thanks to company-provided training, either in-person (78%), online (62%), or through a paper manual (50%). As a result, 52% said they frequently learn something new in their role, while only 2% claimed they “never” learn anything new at their job.

“It’s very easy to get overwhelmed by information, and that can absolutely lead to making mistakes,” says Ali Knapp, President at Wisetail, in a statement. “As some of these respondents said, it’s important to not rush into it and to take time to learn about their role and really lean into the resources your company provides.”

The results also show that 69% of workers believe their current role has given them skills they can use in the future. In fact, just as many consider their jobs to be a long-term career opportunity rather than just a short-term role. Another 70% would likely continue working with their current organization if they were offered a long-term position at the company.

The average person has worked in their current role for more than two years and says they needed the first five months to learn how to do their role properly, with another four months devoted to understanding what it is they do on a daily basis. More than eight in 10 (84%) said their job’s responsibilities met their original expectations when they applied.

“It’s clear that people care about their jobs and want to keep working with their current companies,” Knapp continues. “Employees can see that, without the strain of information overload, if their companies provide them with the right tools, resources, and learning opportunities, they would be set up for success.”