Stressed Workers Feel Need For Constant Connection

The effects of the recent economic downturn continues to be felt, after a new survey from conferencing and collaboration services provider InterCall found that many workers are using technology to stay connected at all times (sometimes even secretly).

More Work, Fewer Resources

The survey, which polled 2,500 knowledge workers about their attitudes and behaviours as they relate to technology in the workplace, found nearly one in two Americans (48 percent) who use technology in their everyday jobs say that they are now required to do more work with fewer resources due to the current economic climate.

As an example, nearly one-third (30 percent) feel that they need to stay connected to work 24/7, even during weekends, breaks or holidays. However, 72 percent say that advanced technology, such as conferencing and collaboration tools, enables them to work faster, better and improves their morale – because they see the company providing them with the right resources and tools to do more with less.

While the economic climate has even driven workers to use conferencing from locations they don’t want their boss to know about, there is good news for stressed employees. Many said advanced technology makes it easy for most workers to feel connected anytime (80 percent), which is telling considering almost one in four employees (24 percent) fear that if they don’t stay connected to their work during their time off, they may be seen as less committed to their jobs.

Need For Connection

“Despite the incredible pressure facing American workers, they value technology and the tools that keep them easily connected as an important resource to ease their anxiety about their job,” said Kathleen Finato, senior vice president of marketing and product management for InterCall. “Companies can really impact overall morale and enhance employees’ job performance simply by providing their employees with the appropriate devices and services that will make them feel empowered.”

The survey found more than four out of five American workers (81 percent) said technology helps them be more efficient and more productive at work and 25 percent of American workers surveyed said their job security is partially dependent on their supervisor seeing they are connected to work even after hours.

The survey found men are twice as likely than women to conduct business from locations they choose not to disclose to their bosses, colleagues and customers. Three in five workers (58 percent) say that technology gives them a competitive edge over colleagues in the office, while five percent of respondents said they even use conferencing to take meetings so they can wear what they want and avoid wearing typical meeting attire such as suits, ties or even shoes.