As we have seen, technostress can be caused by a number of things. Is there any way of solving this problem - or at the least reducing it? There are a number of ways - and foremost of these is ergonomics.
Ergonomics is a science that has been gaining round over the last ten years. It is all about design and literally translated means human factors. In other words it is all about how we fit as human beings in to the work environment. Scientific information about our environment is analysed and the best way for us to use that space is then designed.
Ergonomics is also called biotechnology. Essentially, it is the design of equipment that will lead to the least amount of stress by reducing such things as tiredness and discomfort. This is all very praise worthy of course. However, remember that when workers are alert and awake, then the organization they work for is in its best position to make the workers as productive as possible. So, ergonomics could be said to have benefits to both the bosses and the workers, something rare! However, properly designed equipment, such as chairs and desks, can be expensive, which leads many organizations to overlook or ignore it. However, this also means they may not get the maximum results out of their employees!
The human body has needs, limitations and abilities. Ergonomics takes these in to account and Ergonomists design systems and environments to take account of these factors.
A lot of Ergonomics could well come under the heading “Plain Common Sense”. Take a look at the pictures. Below, Mohamad is sitting in a chair which is obviously broken and beyond its best! However, he is still using it and this could very well cause him back problems now or later in life. The desk, although it is ergonomic, in as much as its height can be changed, is not at a suitable level for the desk and this forces Mohamad to look UP to the screen. Most people will be able to tell that this will probably give him a pain in the neck in an hour or two!
With the introduction of an ergonomically designed chair, Mohamad looks a lot more comfortable! His eyes are now fairly level with the screen, in fact he is looking slightly down at the screen which is the most comfortable way of doing so. The desk and chair are at a good level with each other. Notice how Mohamad's back is now straight and his feet are resting on the ground. He is unlikely to get back ache like this!
Ergonomics is not, of course, restricted just to desks and chairs! This has just been a simple example to give you an idea what ergonomics is all about and how sometimes it can be quite easy to implement. Monitors, chairs and desks should be adjustable. Workers should be encouraged to take time out to stretch and move around - and have plenty of breaks from the PC!
Other factors include ventilation in offices, lighting and noise levels.
Ventilation is important. As warm blooded creatures we work at our hardest when we are neither too hot nor cold. Most organizations will keep the temperature at around 21 degrees as this is the level of heat at which we are most comfortable. Desks are best positioned away from radiators as they will make people far too hot!
Fluorescent lighting is a problem. It flickers and often people say it gives them headaches. It can also cause the computer screen to have a shine on it that makes it difficult to see. Organisation should always try to limit their use of unnatural light - and one easy solution is to work in an office that has plenty of windows. When people can turn off the lights and work in natural light they are at their most comfortable.
Noise! It can get unbearable. Old computers and printers would often be very noisy and people would often leave work with a terrible headache if they were unlucky enough to sit near one! Nowadays, PCs and printers can be bought that are very quiet. However it is not always just machinery that causes noise! The major culprits are people. That is way in most “open plan” offices you will see partitions between desks. This is not only to discourage people talking to each other; it is to muffle the sound going from one desk to another.
So, technostress is here to stay. However, with the sensible use of ergonomics these problems can be alleviated.
