Technology and Stress in the Workplace: A Guide to Easing Employee Concerns

Updated April 29, 2024

Technology is both a boon and a burden. While it offers efficiency and innovation, it also brings a host of challenges that can leave employees feeling overwhelmed and stressed. From ongoing software updates to fears of job obsolescence, the digital landscape is full of potential workplace stressors. However, by addressing these concerns head-on and implementing thoughtful strategies, businesses can alleviate employee anxiety and foster a more harmonious relationship with technology.

Common issues with technology and workplace stress

There are some common ways technology can add to the workplace stress of your employees.

• Ongoing software updates with popups that can interrupt work and impact the user experience.
• Technology integrations that don’t go well.
• Fear of losing access to information and data in a new system.
• Management expectations for increased work output with new technology.
• Not enough training for system and process changes.
• Concern that new technology could bring job elimination.
• Fear of doing things differently.
• Changes in workplace interactions with new communication technology
  
  

A guide to easing employee’s technology-related workplace stress

Here's how to navigate technology changes and ease employee concerns in today’s tech-driven workplace:

Minimize disruptions from software updates

Regular software updates are a necessary evil, but they can disrupt workflow and cause frustration. Provide employees with transparent communication about upcoming updates, including how they may impact the interface and user experience. Schedule updates during non-peak hours or allow employees to defer updates until a more convenient time. By giving employees control over when updates occur, you can reduce stress and maintain workflow continuity.

Bridge the gap between old and new technology

Integrating new technology with legacy systems can pose challenges and lead to malfunctions. Invest in training programs and resources to help employees navigate the transition smoothly, ensuring they feel confident using both old and new technology. Additionally, foster a culture of innovation where employees feel empowered to provide feedback and suggest solutions for bridging the gap between different systems.

Establish workload expectations

Foster open communication between managers and employees to set realistic goals and priorities regarding workload changes during and after a new technology implementation. Provide support and resources to help employees manage their workload effectively, such as time management tools or additional staffing where necessary. By promoting a healthy work-life balance, you can mitigate the impact of technology and stress in the workplace.

Invest in ongoing training

A new system or piece of technology can leave employees feeling overwhelmed and under-equipped to keep up. Invest in ongoing training programs to ensure employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Offer opportunities for self-directed learning, workshops, and certifications to help employees stay ahead of the curve and feel confident in their abilities.

Address job security concerns

Having a job become obsolete in the face of advancing technology is a valid concern for many employees. Provide reassurance and transparency about the company's long-term vision and how technology fits into it. Emphasize the value of human skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence that complement technological advancements. Encourage employees to embrace lifelong learning and adaptability as essential tools for future-proofing their careers.

Implement robust data backup measures

Concerns about losing work documents and information due to technology changes are legitimate and can cause significant stress. Implement robust data backup measures, including regular backups to secure servers or cloud storage, to safeguard against data loss. By instilling confidence in the reliability of data backup systems, you can alleviate employees' fears of losing valuable work.

Balance human connection and digital communication

While remote work and digital communication channels have provided many benefits to both employees and employers, they can also lead to feelings of isolation and disconnect. Encourage a balance between digital and face-to-face communication to foster human connection and collaboration. Organize team-building activities, social events, and in-person meetings to strengthen relationships and cultivate a sense of belonging. Emphasize the importance of empathy and active listening in all forms of communication to ensure employees feel valued and supported.

Managed technology services can help reduce workplace stress

Partnering with a managed technology provider can significantly reduce technology-related stress in the workplace by providing expertise, support, and streamlined processes.

• Expertise and guidance. Managed technology providers bring in-depth knowledge and expertise to the table. They can assess your organization's technological needs, recommend suitable solutions, and implement them efficiently. By leveraging their expertise, you can avoid common pitfalls, make informed decisions, and stay updated with the latest technological advancements without having to dedicate internal resources to extensive research and training.
• Scalability and flexibility. As your business grows and evolves, so do your technological needs and the stressors on your employees. Managed technology providers offer scalable solutions that can easily adapt to your changing requirements. Whether you need to onboard new employees, upgrade your infrastructure, or integrate new systems, they can provide the necessary support and resources to ensure a smooth transition. This can alleviate the stress of managing IT infrastructure internally, allowing your organization to focus on core business objectives.
• Reliable data backup and disaster recovery. Managed technology providers implement robust data backup and disaster recovery solutions to safeguard your critical information. They automate regular backups of your data and ensure that multiple copies are stored securely both on-site and off-site. Knowing your data is backed up and protected against unforeseen disasters alleviates the stress associated with the potential loss of information employees worry about with a change in technology.
• 24/7 support and monitoring. Technology issues can arise at any time and should be expected during a technology change. Unfortunately, this means disruption and stress for your employees. Managed technology providers offer round-the-clock support and monitoring services to promptly address any issues that arise. This proactive approach ensures that potential problems are identified and resolved before they escalate, minimizing downtime and frustration among employees.
  
  Technological change is inevitable, and so is resistance. Help your organization embrace new technology as an opportunity for greater productivity, efficiency, and growth. By prioritizing transparency, support, and human connection, businesses can ease the burden of technology-related stress and create a more positive and resilient work environment.

Partner with a managed technology provider like Locknet Managed IT who understands the relationship between technology and workplace stress. The team at Locknet acts as an extension of your organization by creating a technology roadmap with you, providing ongoing support of your technology initiatives, and scaling to any adjustments along the way. How can our managed IT services help alleviate the technology stress in your organization?