Digital Technology Effects on the Employee

Digital technology has evolved greatly in the last few years. Nearly everyone carries a smartphone with them. Tablets, such as an iPad, are a household item. If you don't participate in social media, then you are missing a chunk of the happenings of the world. What does this mean for the workplace? While some effects are negative, there are certainly positives.

1. You can reach people outside of the office. Yes, this is a positive and a negative. With the development of smartphones, email can be accessed from any location. beyond email, employers have access to texting and other forms of media communication which allows them to connect with others outside of the office. "More recently, though, the rise of personal cell phones and social media have allowed us to stay in touch with other individuals regardless of location. This, according to Wellman, is “networked individualism.” We no longer require homes, offices, or cafes to stay in touch with people; we can do it wherever we happen to be" (Masket, 2014). It is easy to fall into the trap of being accessible at all times. It is best to set boundaries around times to answer emails or communicate about work.

2. Smartphones allow for on the go work, you can create documents, blog, create charts and even video. This use of technology has truly allowed for employees to be more efficient with their time.

3. Employers are always connected, this can become exhausting. Are employees stretching themselves too thin? Demands at work, communication solely through digital technology bay be interfering in their face to face skills. Becoming too connected can cause issues with employees social interactions, which often times is important when dealing with personalities in the workplace. If you don't know how to interact with people face to face, this could affect team projects and other facets associated with working as a cohesive unit. "We are, perhaps, too wired — more attuned to events and friends thousands of miles away than to what’s going on right in front of our faces, more likely to share cat videos over smartphones than to play catch in our backyards. Perhaps these technological changes are compelling us to withdraw from the physical world, promoting antisocial behavior and undermining our true relationships" (Masket, 2014).

Everything in moderation. The use of digital technology is beneficial in many instances, but if not careful it can begin to affect face to face interactions. Set boundaries, allow yourself time away from phones or other digital technology, and enjoy the world around you in real time.

References

Masket, S. (June 2, 2014).

Don’t Fear the Network: The Internet Is Changing the Way We Communicate for the Better. Retrieved from https://psmag.com/don-t-fear-the-network-the-internet-is-changing-the-way-we-communicate-for-the-better-32352d7b302#.9f5cjcxit