Information-sharing in a turbulent Public sector: is more always better? Exploring information overload among civil servants during complex workplace changes

Abstract

In today's turbulent public sector landscape, workplace changes have become the norm, often introducing uncertainty and a feeling of diminished control among civil servants. Information plays a pivotal role in helping employees navigate these changes successfully. However, as changes become more intricate, the information that civil servants encounter grows increasingly complex. Paradoxically, the well-intentioned influx of information can cause information overload, a state of stress arising when the volume of information available surpasses an individual's capacity to process it. Our analysis finds evidence of such a paradox, showing that information can become a hindrance during workplace changes, heightening stress levels.