Aussie office workers rage against the machines
Aussie office workers rage against the machines
Aug 9, 2005: One in three workers regularly experience ‘tech rage’ at the office, according to a new survey of 400 office workers in Sydney and Adelaide conducted by market research company Square Holes.
The survey, which asked participants to consider the effect of modern technology on their life, found that while modern technology had made many office and life tasks simpler, for a significant proportion of Australians it was also a major form of stress.
“Ideally, new technology should make our lives easier and more enjoyable, but we’re seeing evidence that technology has significantly added to workplace pressure,” said Square Holes' managing director, Jason Dunstone.
It also found that the proliferation of new technology, its broad appeal and accessibility means that people feel compelled to be more efficient, technologically savvy and always ‘available’ to clients, family and friends.
“This has its downsides and it’s concerning to learn that tech rage is now a common occurrence, particularly in the office," added Dunstone.
The survey found computer crashes, spam emails and 24-hour access via mobile phones and other communication devices among the major sources of tech rage.
The workers reported an average of nine computer crashes per week, with Sydney workplaces receiving nearly double the number of crashes per week of Adelaide workplaces.
“It was not just the office where technology was adding to stress levels, with many people reporting feeling trapped and their privacy invaded outside work hours by the heavy reliance on mobile phones and other communication devices,” said Dunstone.
However, despite the advent of tech rage, the survey showed most people were receptive to the benefits that modern technology had brought to their lives.
Of the survey’s participants, almost all said technology had made their lives better in some way, of which 41 percent said this was a result of more efficient and regular communication and 23 percent due to quicker and easier access to information.
There is also widespread usage and appreciation of technology in making bill payment and banking far easier. Internet shopping has also made the lives of some better, yet privacy and security concerns still remain significant.
Forms of technology that had a particularly positive effect on people’s lives included MP3 players, the Internet, digital cameras, email and pocket PCs.
“People are pro-actively using new technology and readily incorporating diverse technological tools and gadgets into their everyday lives," added Dunstone.
“While our survey shows this has improved the efficiency of home and office life, it has come at a cost by raising stress levels and invading our privacy.”
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