Computers have transformed the workplace and society as a whole. People and organizations have become dependent on computers to connect them to co-workers, vendors, customers and information. Computers are used to track schedules, streamline information and provide needed data. Although computers have provided workers countless tools for business and easier access to information nearby or abroad, there are negative effects. These include more than the obviously dreaded system failures and cyber crimes.
Due to the prevalence of computers in the workplace, email is now a common mode of professional communication. This has caused a plethora of miscommunication issues. Many employees lack comprehensive writing skills and can therefore struggle with successfully communicating messages. Yet, even the most-skilled writer can still have trouble with conveying tone in electronic messages. Therefore, without the use of inflection and body language, messages meant as neutral or even complimentary can be interpreted as rude or critical. To add to this, many workers are so dependent on email that they have not successfully built a positive foundation relationship via face time or phone calls.
Learning new computer skills and programs can put stress on workers, especially older or less-educated workers. In addition to this, employees are constantly connected to co-workers, clients, vendors and business networks throughout the workday. Because interactions can happen instantaneously, often with a desire for instant responses, this can cause additional stress in the workplace.
According to CNET News, office workers are interrupted approximately every three minutes by emails, instant messages, phone calls or other distractions. This causes overall lower productivity as it takes eight minutes for the brain to achieve a creative state. Aside from legitimate work-based interruptions, employers are also competing against technology-driven distractions such as social media, online games, news feeds and even pornography.
A sense of disconnectedness can stem from a various areas. According to Communications Workers of America, “many jobs have become more fragmented and job tasks have been narrowed, leaving workers more disconnected from the final product.” This disconnectedness can lead to less workplace satisfaction and more workplace boredom. Also, collaborating and communicating via computers instead of in person can leave employees feeling disconnected from their peers and superiors.
Aside from the widely discussed vision and musculoskeletal problems, according to Communications Workers of America, there is an increased rate of heart-related disease in computer-based offices due to the intense pressure of having work constantly monitored via computer.
- Human Resources and Skills Development Canada; The Effects of Computers on Workplace Stress, Job Security and Work Interest in Canada; December 2002
- Communications Workers of America; Occupational Stress and the Workplace
- "Inc."; Lost in Translation; Alison Stein Wellner; September 2005
- CNET News; Driven to Distraction by Technology; Ina Fried; July 2005
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