Monday, June 7, 2004
Modern Technology Increases Stress at Work
Posted by Jonathon Watkins in "OFF-TOPIC" @ 12:00 AM
Some uplifting Monday morning news for you. The BBC are reporting that Mobile phones, laptops & PDAs are increasing levels of stress in the workplace:
"Most people said they found email and mobile phones necessary for contacting colleagues and clients instantly. But the survey showed their increased use was adversely affecting the patience of others in the workplace. More than half of those surveyed believed it was inappropriate to use any form of IT equipment in a meeting or when talking to another person at work. Only 11% thought it was acceptable for a mobile phone to be switched on during a meeting. More than 80% felt it was inappropriate to look at or send text messages when with others. Some 60% of respondents said there were informal workplace rules for the use of IT equipment, while two out of five said the use of mobile phones was not allowed."
That's quite a high proportion of mobiles being barred. Note as well, that if half of those surveyed believed it was inappropriate to use IT equipment in a meeting or when talking to someone at work, it means that half thought it was OK. :?
IMAGE SOURCE. Painting by Bill Hall.
"Researchers said it was generally recognised that a certain etiquette is required when using mobile phones in the workplace. Responding to a call when speaking to somebody implies that the phone call is more important than the person, the survey said. Answering a call during a meeting suggests the meeting is not important. However, the study showed that younger people were less likely to be offended by others answering mobile phone calls during meetings."
Interesting. I wonder if the same applies to PDAs as well? :wink: What are your thoughts on the stresses of modern communication technologies and the etiquette involved in using them in daily life?
"Most people said they found email and mobile phones necessary for contacting colleagues and clients instantly. But the survey showed their increased use was adversely affecting the patience of others in the workplace. More than half of those surveyed believed it was inappropriate to use any form of IT equipment in a meeting or when talking to another person at work. Only 11% thought it was acceptable for a mobile phone to be switched on during a meeting. More than 80% felt it was inappropriate to look at or send text messages when with others. Some 60% of respondents said there were informal workplace rules for the use of IT equipment, while two out of five said the use of mobile phones was not allowed."
That's quite a high proportion of mobiles being barred. Note as well, that if half of those surveyed believed it was inappropriate to use IT equipment in a meeting or when talking to someone at work, it means that half thought it was OK. :?
IMAGE SOURCE. Painting by Bill Hall.
"Researchers said it was generally recognised that a certain etiquette is required when using mobile phones in the workplace. Responding to a call when speaking to somebody implies that the phone call is more important than the person, the survey said. Answering a call during a meeting suggests the meeting is not important. However, the study showed that younger people were less likely to be offended by others answering mobile phone calls during meetings."
Interesting. I wonder if the same applies to PDAs as well? :wink: What are your thoughts on the stresses of modern communication technologies and the etiquette involved in using them in daily life?
