Fostering Digital Competencies Among the Absent: Metacognitive Worries Associate With Work Ability

Most people in modern working life are exposed to new technologies and by implication information overflows and expectations of continuous learning. Ongoing technological changes demand constant updating of competencies, such as digital literacy, but how is technologizing work viewed by those temporarily absent from work? Metacognitive worries over technologized work were explored among the employees laid off, on a study leave, or on a sick leave. Individuals on an extended sick leave were more likely to have negative metacognitions than those who were absent for another reason. Self-efficacy in learning new technologies and the perceived capability to handle information overflow are metacognitions that should be acknowledged in an attempt to reintegrate employees back from long-term sick leaves. The findings also imply that worries over performing in technologized work are associated with lower perceived work ability. Recommendations emphasise briefing absent employees about possible technological changes and supporting digital competencies and literacies of the returning ones.