Reflections of Employees' Digital Addiction Experiences on Workplace Distraction, Safety Perception, and Collective Responsibility: A Phenomenological Study

This study aims to examine how digital addiction based experiences of employees influence attention processes, safety awareness, and collective responsibility in the workplace. It particularly seeks to identify challenges in digitally intensive environments regarding cognitive load, behavioral reflexes, and institutional risk communication. The research employed a phenomenological design with semi- structured interviews conducted with 19 employees from various sectors across Turkey. Criterion sampling was used, and interviews continued until data saturation was reached. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Colaizzi's (1978) seven step method. Reporting followed the COREQ checklist to ensure rigor and transparency. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: Cognitive Load and Deterioration in Safety Perception, Behavioral Disconnection and Erosion in Safety Attitudes, and Organizational Silence and Collective Collapse in Risk Awareness. These findings show that digital addiction negatively affects attention, reflexes, safety behaviors, and institutional reporting processes. Digitalization influences not only work efficiency but also employees' safety behaviors and organizational risk communication. Constant digital stimuli cause distraction, disrupt safety practices, and weaken collective responsibility. The study provides insights into how digital addiction transforms workplace safety culture and recommends comprehensive prevention strategies for employers, managers, and policymakers.