Improved Technology, Increased Productivity, More Stress

Technological advances have long promised businesses increased productivity and better efficiencies, but the innovations may also be stressing out workers, according to a study released today by the Kensington Technology Group.

The survey of more than 500 full-time employees found that 55 percent of the respondents believe technology has improved their productivity during the last year, citing such advances as telecommuting programs and more flexible work schedules.

But almost half said technology was also creating high anxiety in the workplace. In particular, demands of E-mail and voice mail have contributed to an overall increase in stress during the last 12 months, according to the survey. Computer crashes and lost documents were also cited as key contributors.

And while the impact of job-related pressure is felt on an individual level, the ramifications are even more visible in the organization. Almost 80 percent of the respondents said stress is a leading cause of accidents and mistakes in the workplace, and two-thirds see that the people around them who feel the most stress have higher levels of absenteeism and believe that a majority of illnesses are caused or exacerbated by stress.

Despite all the tension and related problems, the majority of the respondents--some 63 percent--believe there's not much that can be done about it--it's something people just have to live with.