Balancing Security and Productivity: An Empirical Study on Cybersecurity Fatigue Using PLS-SEM

In the modern digital workplace, continuous exposure to cybersecurity protocols and alerts can lead to cybersecurity fatigue, a state of mental exhaustion and disengagement that significantly impacts employee productivity. This study investigates the relationship between cybersecurity fatigue and employee productivity, analysing how psychological strain from persistent security demands may hinder individual output. Utilizing the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) approach, data was collected from employees across various sectors to examine the direct and indirect effects of cybersecurity fatigue on productivity. This research underscores the need for organizations to strike a balance between security enforcement and employee well-being to ensure both compliance and sustained productivity.