Obsolete, unreliable IT stressing out workers

09.03.2015
Unreliable or obsolete technology is one of the biggest workplace stressors for Australians, according to new research.

In fact, 16 per cent of the 727 respondents to a study conducted by global workplace provider, Regus, say technology issues are causing stress levels to rise, which was just behind under-staffing at 17 per cent.

Regus' Australia and New Zealand CEO, Paul Migliorini, told CIO Australia that day-to-day common technology glitches are leaving workers stressed.

He said computer crashes, Internet outages, and blackouts can cause productivity delays and also lead to loss of data.

"This can often cause workers to waste 30 minutes or more on the phone with the company IT helpdesk, which is not ideal for productivity or stress levels," Migliorini said.

"I think it's important for all organisations to ensure workers are using cloud computing to store, manage and process data, rather than a local server or a PC to minimise everyday technology issues. It also means workers can work flexibly helping to restore work/life balance -- another way to reduce workplace stress," he said.

Migliorini added that technology issues were a big stressor for respondents because the rapid rate of technological change directly affects the nature of work for all employees inside all businesses. He said such constant progress and reliance on IT can cause workers to be concerned about their jobs and can be a cause of stress.

Meanwhile, 52 per cent of Australian workers claim to be more stressed than they were five years ago. Sydneysiders are the most stressed nationals (55 per cent), and Adelaide the least (45 per cent), the study said.

People in Perth were the nicest colleagues with only 2 per cent saying their fellow workers were a stress concern. Brisbane workers topped the list for several gripes, including stressful working hours (10 per cent of respondents), unpleasant bosses and annoying colleagues (both 9 per cent of respondents), and dreading deadlines (14 per cent).

Read more:Unravelling the IT productivity paradox

Migliorini said flexible working was the buzzword for 2014, which will continue this year with good reason.

"We are continuing to see overwhelming evidence that stress levels are mounting," he said. "This is due to a combination of factors including being under-resourced and over worked, feeling desk-bound, and not having adequate time to exercise and recalibrate."

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(www.cio.com.au)

Byron Connolly

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