The introduction of new technology: health implications for workers

Several data sources were used to examine the relationship between the introduction of technology into the workplace and resulting symptoms of stress. Data from open-ended surveys with 75 workers in three settings revealed planning deficiencies (among other issues) that seemed to cause more difficulty for the workers involved. Surveys of 162 secretaries were used to explore the resulting hypothesis that these planning deficiencies (i.e., not including the worker in the planning, introducing too little equipment, expecting too much work from the technology) would result in symptoms of stress. The results supported the hypothesis; symptoms found in previous studies of VDT operators did increase with these planning deficiencies. Specific suggestions are made that may help to reduce the amount of stress among workers being introduced to new technologies. Results suggest that worker control, particularly input into decision-making is one factor affecting how workers will react to workplace stresses, particularly to the introduction of new technology.