Researchers from American computer company Dell Technologies led a study partnering with neuroscience company EMOTTV showing a link between bad technology and higher stress levels of employees.
The research involved experiments in which brainwaves were monitored as people were put through a series of bad technology experiences. The experiments involved adults of many ages with different levels of computer skills. Subjects were tested with simple computer problems, like troubled sign-in operations. Others dealt with slow-speed connections to the Internet. Still others experienced system crashes.
"The moment people started using bad technology, we saw a doubling of their levels of stress, " said Olivier Oullier, president of EMOTIV. The experiments showed that technology-related stress had a lasting effect.
In addition to tech failures affecting the mental health of employees, the problems can also affect a company's business, the research found. For example, bad problems can reduce productivity, especially that of younger workers. "Bad experiences affect you regardless of computerliteracy. " said Cile Montgomery, who leads customer experience efforts for Dell." But young people seem to be even more impacted, because they expect technology to work. "
In the real world, such effects were possibly more severe because the subjects knew they were involved in an experiment so they may not have been as personally affected by the results. Oullier also said the continuing corona-virus crisis has sharply increased stress levels. So real tech problems drive up those already high stress levels.
Another issue is that many employees are working remotely and this can also add to tech difficulties. In an office, computer support helpers are usually available to help workers solve tech problems. But working from a kitchen or home office, employees are often on their own.
"When you're stuck at home and all you have is a computer provided by your employer, you might not have access to tech support, " Oullier said. "That's why it's so important when you're remote, to have technology that works. "
