Stress and Management - New Age Stressors - Technostress
Technostress has been defined as the negative psychological
relationship between people and the use of technologies around them. In
other way it is "a modern distress caused by an inability to adopt or cope
with the new technologies in a healthy manner."
More people rely on technology for work, entertainment, and
communication in the modern world. Technology has become a significant part of
our lives. Heavy dependence on technology has potential to negatively impacts
behaviours, attitudes, thoughts, and lifestyles.
They feel compulsive about being connected and sharing
constant updates, feel forced to respond to information in real-time, and
engage in almost habitual multi-tasking. Also, there may be feeling of
compelled to respond faster because information flows faster, and have little
time to spend on sustained thinking and creative analysis.
Keeping up with the pace of technology can be difficult,
especially for employees in fast growing companies. As a manager or an
executive, it’s essential to recognize this topic and address the possible
underlying issues.
Let us understand few aspects Techno-Stressors…..
"Techno-overload": Being overwhelmed with tasks associated with technology. For example, Needing to utilize many new
technologies and complete the task faster.
"Techno-invasion": Invasion
of private life due to technology that creates pressures of constant
connectivity. Like “always exposed” where people can potentially be reached
anywhere and anytime and feel the need to be constantly connected. For
example needing to respond emails or social medial anytime.
"Techno-complexity": Situations
where the complex technologies used at work or social life which force people
to spend time and effort in learning them and to update their skills. Not
getting the resources needed to properly understand and operate new
technology. For example, need to operate a complex microscopy procedure
that is new in the field.
"Techno-insecurity": Situations
where people feel threatened about losing their jobs to other people who have a
better understanding of new gadgets and computing devices or due to
introduction of technology.
"Techno-uncertainty": Uncertainty
arising from the speed of technology evolution surpassing the speed needed to
learn new technologies. People find this unsettling because their skills
becomes rapidly outdated and they are required to re-learn things very rapidly
and often.
What should we do?
Ø Prioritization and
Time management is the key.
Ø Change aptitude
towards learning & adopting technologies. Find people among family members
or colleagues who can be helpful to understand changes in technology.
Ø Seeking new
routines that omit technology wherever possible and working towards stress
avoidant behaviour can be helpful. For example, avoid unnecessary
activities over social media to the extent possible; if a job utilizes imaging
and emailing all day, setting up an environment free of work screens at home is
beneficial.
Ø Be aware around
technological advancements in your field.
Ø Understand, that there is
information overload now a days. Not all information available are genuine and
not all information is required for us. Be selective.
Ø Share and discuss
issues with counsellor.