How Small Businesses Can Manage Techno-Stress In The Digitised Workplace
How Small Businesses Can Manage Techno-Stress In The Digitised Workplace. Techno-stress – the constant presence and change of information and communications technology in digitised workplaces – is a growing phenomenon that significantly affects the well-being of employees. Research and organisational dynamics are pointing towards an eradication of many job functions in favour of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) at an unprecedented rate, thus creating workplaces that are under perpetual transition and putting additional stress on the workforce. Professor Herbert Kanengoni and Dr Martha Harunavamwe, National Research Foundation-rated researchers and academics at the University of Pretoria’s Department of Human Resource Management shared how small businesses can manage techno-stress in the digitised workplace.
Create A Supportive Work Environment
Creating a supportive work environment that is merged with digital effectiveness is essential. This may include using regular surveys to assess levels of employee techno-stress and identify potential stressors before they become detrimental.
Improve Employee Competence
Building and improving employee competence at a systemic level is the most effective mechanism to build their confidence in new technology. Wellness and skills-building initiatives that address common technology challenges, develop digital literacy and explore new devices, systems and apps should be considered. This support can ensure that employees solve system-related problems and will increase their comfort level with a new system.
Offer Mindfulness Support
Entities such as Facebook, Google and Intel have been offering tailored, in-house mindfulness sessions for their employees. Organisation-led mindfulness programmes that are aligned with the technical challenges of the organisation can be created and used to teach and promote stress-reduction strategies.
Have Open Communication
There should be open communication channels for employees to share their experiences and challenges related to technology use so that they may receive mutual support in dealing with techno-unreliability and other technical challenges. Moreover, through policies and incentives, businesses should support the mindful use of technology, which promotes positive reappraisal of the situation and activates positive coping mechanisms, such as social support and taking breaks.
