Digitisation stress overwhelming workers and more support is needed.
Research from Germany's Witten/Herdecke University has indicated that dealing with digital applications at work and the digitisation process is having a negative impact on workers' health.
The researchers surveyed 710 public servants being impacted by transition to 'E-Government', finding 10 per cent were "digitally stressed", feeling unsupported and ill-prepared by their employer for the digital transition. They feel stressed by constant screen time and the need to be available on different communications channels simultaneously.
The researchers say their results shed light on the "potentially destructive factors in the digital transformation process".
Technology can have significant impacts of organisations and the work environment. The research shows it is increasingly important for companies to ensure their workers are equipped with appropriate digital competency and to implement interventions to help workers deal with new technology without stress, such as "digital pilots".
Read more: Risk factors for digital stress in German public administrations. Sammy Wrede, et al, Germany, BMC Public Health, published online December 2021, doi: 10.1186/s12889-021-12247-w. Source: OHS Alert
Is menopause a workplace issue?
The International Labour Organisation released a podcast considering menopause as a workplace issue. Traditionally considered a personal issue for women, unions, researchers and policy makers are increasingly considering menopause to be a workplace issues.
With thousands of women of menopause age in the workforce, the effects of menopause on women workers as a workplace issue is hard to ignore. Fatigue, exhaustion, anxiety, depression, 'brain fog' and insomnia have significant impacts on women workers' ability to participate meaningfully and safely at work.
Thousands of women workers will leave the workforce early due to the effects of menopause. Employers are suggested to consider policies and interventions to better support women workers of menopause age, such as flexible work.
Find out more:Is the menopause a workplace issue? 7 January 2022 International Labour Organisation https://voices.ilo.org/podcast/is-the-menopause-a-workplace-issue#headline Source: ILO
