Technology gripes are causing workplace stress

A NEW survey has found that almost a third of employees say workplace technology – from computer software to mobile tech – increases job stress.

A lack of tech reliability was cited as the main reason for this by 52% of survey respondents, followed by a heightening of workload (47%).

Other shadow sides of technology highlighted by South East workers included a lack of human interaction (36%), a triggering of tighter deadlines (29%) and excessive levels of complexity (24%).

The research was conducted by Willis Towers Watson, global advisory, broking and solutions company.

“Technology can be a considerable force for good with the potential to act as a catalyst for smarter, more efficient and more flexible working,” said Mike Blake, wellbeing lead at Willis Towers Watson.

“Despite offering a wealth of opportunities to improve our working lives, however – simplifying and, in some cases, eradicating many mundane or laborious tasks – these findings highlight that, in some cases, it can be both a blessing and a curse.

“The drive to introduce new technology is inevitable as businesses search for more efficient ways of working, but these findings should act as a call to action to ensure it is adopted strategically, and deployed with appropriate levels of support, training and consideration to the mental wellbeing of users.

“As part of this process, consultation with staff about the tools and technologies that they need to carry out their jobs more confidently and effectively may prove beneficial in helping smooth the transition to new, improved, ways of working.”