It is almost an oxymoron to say business people today are big users of the new technology but struggle to balance personal and professional demands on their time. Wait … isn’t that what the technology is for, to help us be more productive in less time so we have better balanced lives. Yes, but it seems that this “tech rich” element has a “time poor” issue they are unable to translate well regarding the potential of technology to increase personal productivity.
What has been discovered is that from Internet use to cell phones to wireless devices (tablets, computers, etc.), technology is everywhere in the workplace. But there is clear data that reveals that individuals don’t have the skills to derive the true productivity potential from this technology.
Tech Stress
It is true that technology has accelerated the pace of work … but it has also contributed to longer working hours and in doing so has generated higher levels of stress. Some call this “tech stress” in that many in their rush to acquire the newest and latest technology tools, haven’t had time to adapt and actually learn the true workings of their new tech environment. And heaven forbid if we should admit that after having the latest and greatest devices that we don’t really know how to use them efficiently. Some call this the “amnesia of management skills.”
The reality is that technology on its own won’t improve one’s productivity. If technology was enabling people to be more productive in less time, why do people generally feel so overwhelmed and underproductive? The short answer is they don’t really know how to make the technology they have work for them to its maximum efficiency. Instead, they have become slaves to technology or are afraid of it … or afraid of not being current. For those who have jumped into the tech world it seems like they have become slaves to technology … it’s making them busier but not necessarily more productive or happier in their work.
Can’t Get No Satisfaction
The basic culprit is that the makers of the technology have made it so inviting to purchase the devices and businesses have spent large amounts of money on technology, but have not properly or adequately provided the training in order for the technologies to be used at their maximum capacity. Hence many use the surface capabilities of the technology but don’t come close to maximizing their uses and capabilities. Most people are left to their own initiatives to learn how things work. Once they learn the basics and can surf around, they stop delving into learning more because it is complex and it is time consuming … and it just isn’t fun to some to have to dig into some of that deep “geeky stuff.”
An online survey found that 60% of respondents feel stressed at least two days or more a week … and only 5% felt a sense of personal accomplishment at the end of their workday. In essence, more stress than satisfaction. Furthermore, over 40% acknowledged that the technology was not helping them achieve their personal goals even though they enjoyed the technology … and more than 25% felt they had to get and use the new technology just to keep up with the ever-changing technology trends. Does this make for a good ROI for the individual … or for the business? (Answer: Neither)
Have we been duped?
Today’s technology has made us all accessible at any time … and business likes this … as do the technology gods. This has blurred the lines between professional and personal lives due to the cell phone, tablets, computers, and the wireless explosion. And the reality is that our personal lives are the losers. The urge to be trendy has resulted in making us all accessible 24/7 … and is creating an addiction to technology.
The key is to learn as much about your technology devices as you possibly can and use it with the “intention” to be more productive in such a way that you have a well-balanced business and personal life. Then make a commitment to learn its real capabilities instead of just the basic email, surf internet, etc.
How is your technology IQ?
© Phil Hoffman 2013. All rights reserved
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