Navigating technology in the modern workplace
Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, shaping how we live, work, and interact with the world around us.
It's a powerful tool for communication, creativity, and adaptability. But as technology continues to advance, it's important to consider not only the benefits it brings but also the potential downsides, especially in the workplace.
Dr. Cherie Lacey, a media studies lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington, specialises in media, communications, and technology. She offers insight into the growing impact of digital tools in professional settings.
“Digital technology brings both positives and negatives to our daily habits, productivity, and overall wellbeing,” she explains.
One major concern is the culture of being constantly connected. Whether it’s checking emails or staying active on social media, many professionals find themselves “always on,” which can make it difficult to disconnect from work.
“The results of this ‘always on’ nature of digital work tools can lead to burnout, stress, depression, and anxiety,” she says.
Another challenge is the pressure to multitask, often at the expense of quality. This shift in expectations - prioritising quantity over quality - can have serious consequences.
“Studies consistently show that ongoing multitasking increases stress, which again can lead to burnout,” she adds.
To combat these issues, Dr. Lacey recommends adopting practical ‘digital wellbeing’ strategies:
Create clear boundaries between work and personal time. Avoid checking work emails after hours and keep devices out of your living space.
Schedule specific times to check emails, and log out of your inbox when not in use.
Use focus mode on your phone during work hours. Research shows it can take up to 20 minutes to regain focus after a notification. There are apps available to temporarily block distractions.
On the business side, Dale Fairbairn, managing director of Christchurch-based digital agency Imagic, shares his perspective on integrating technology into the workplace. His agency specialises in web, design, and branding solutions, helping clients meet their goals through digital innovation.
According to Dale, technology has been a "game-changer" for how they manage projects and interact with clients.
“There’s a massive difference between how we operated five years ago and now,” he says. “Technology has made us more efficient, accurate, and effective in communication.”
Imagic utilises a range of cloud-based collaboration tools to facilitate seamless workflow management between in-office and remote team members. “It’s all about keeping everyone aligned, which requires better briefings and clear communication,” he explains.
While some team members adapt quickly to new technologies, others are slower to embrace change. Dale acknowledges that digital tools can lead to information overload, but doesn’t believe they pose major issues for his team.
“There are certainly workplace traps, like too much communication, but we’ve set up systems so only relevant people get notified,” he says.
Although the agency has had mostly positive experiences with technology, there have been a few bumps along the way, such as a single app that didn’t perform as expected. Still, Dale sees it all as part of the learning process.
“It’s trial and error,” he says. “That’s how we grow.”