Canterbury Today Magazine Issue 164

Page 10

News | Technology

Workplace tech benefits and traps By Natasha Parrant

Technology is a tool we use to live, play, and work in our everyday lives. A tool used to communicate, create and adapt as technology becomes more advanced. There can be technology traps at work, which don’t benefit us in the slightest, but we continue to use technology without always acknowledging the effects it has on us. A Victoria University of Wellington professor Dr. Cherie Lacey is a media studies lecturer with background knowledge in media, communications, and technology. She shares her thoughts on technology in the workplace. “Digital technology brings both positives and negatives to our daily habits, productivity, and overall wellbeing.” Cherie believes people who work are always online - whether it’s accessing emails or on social media, which can be challenging when trying to disconnect from the workplace. “The results of this ‘always on’ nature of digital work tools can lead to burnout, stress, depression, and anxiety.” Another effect is the tendency to multi-task instead of doing one task well. This expectation results in putting quantity over quality. “A range of studies have shown how ongoing multi-tasking can increase stress—again, leading to burnout.”

Cherie shares tips on developing ‘digital wellbeing’ practices: • Set up and maintain clear boundaries between work and home life. When not working, resist the temptation to check emails, and keep the phone and laptop in another room • Check emails at set times during the day and log out of your inbox • Set your phone to focus mode during work hours. Research has shown that it can take 20 minutes to focus again after checking a notification or email. There are some good apps that will disable notifications on your phone. Imagic managing director Dale Fairbairn shares his experiences with running a Christchurch-based web, design, and brand agency – adopting new technologies and helping marketing managers, business owners, and innovative leaders succeed in goals. Technology in the workplace has been a “game-changer,” Dale says. He thinks there’s a huge difference in dealing with clients and managing jobs than it was five years ago. Technology has given staff the ability to be more accurate, efficient and to communicate effectively with clients.

The team uses several cloud-based collaboration and productivity apps to manage clients and staff.

Dale thinks there are workplace traps out there and an excessive amount of communication at times.

Some of the team is based in the office, whereas other team members work remotely throughout the country.

However, he doesn’t think there are massive workplace technology traps, as the team can set up to manage notifications so only those who need to respond are notified.

“It’s about keeping everyone on the same page and that requires better briefing and better communication.”

Some team members embrace adapting to “We’re delivering better outcomes on time and new technologies and some don’t. have clearer communication.”

The team hasn’t had many bad experiences with creating apps, except for one time an app didn’t go the way they planned. However, it’s all about trial and error. CT

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Articles inside

Dunedin City Council faces divided opinions

5min
pages 68-69

Nelson’s spot under the sun

6min
pages 54-55

A meaningful farewell is your gift to them

7min
pages 70-71

Gen-Y Homes - making any project smooth sailing

2min
page 53

Ethos Homes - the right builder is a crucial choice

4min
page 51

Passive House – building our future

3min
page 50

Possible turning point as new listings and housing stocks rise

6min
pages 48-49

Welcoming landlord and tenant privacy guidance

8min
pages 46-47

Earl is an exceptional dining experience featuring simple, traditional recipes

5min
page 37

Adventures in Fiordland, Stewart Island and The Catlins

11min
pages 38-41

Touring the Chatham Islands

5min
pages 42-43

Top tips to keep on top of your cash flow

8min
pages 26-27

What professionals in the engineered timber industry need to keep on their radar

4min
pages 44-45

The big delay

13min
pages 21-25

Technology in the workplace

3min
page 10

Three Waters 101

4min
page 11

The war on truth

4min
page 16

Life and style

2min
page 9

Preparing for business as un-usual

5min
page 15

The world of Whittaker’s

7min
pages 12-13

Up and running

4min
page 8

A wide-ranging look at risk management

4min
page 14
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