As we have discussed before, the amount of information that we are bombarded with every day is just staggering. It really is no wonder that we have a very difficult time filtering through this information, determining what is important and what is not. This information overload not only leads to a more challenging and stressful work environment, but also carries over into our personal lives, as the separation no longer exists due to smart phones, Crackberries and the like.
In a recent report, commissioned by Hitachi Data Systems, it found 40 percent of companies in Australia and New Zealand are suffering from the information glut, up from 34 percent two years ago. The report also found 81 percent of companies surveyed now considered it important to manage data growth, up from 68 percent two years ago.
Workers are drowning under a deluge of emails and information. Corporations are failing to help staff cope with the technological barrage, daily meetings and constant connection, leading to rising levels of stress and psychological illness and costing billions in lost productivity. Psychologists and experts said the information glut is becoming a major issue for firms who are searching for realistic answers to the problem.
Most workers receive an average of 36 emails a day and huge volumes of other information. Add to this social media, instant messenger, daily meetings and the ever-present telephone plus the arrival of new technologies which employees are expected to embrace to stay ahead of the game. Many employees are reaching “breaking point” with the amount of information they receive and there is a huge need for employers to step in and help. http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/12/05/information-overload-is-causing-illness-and-costing-money-experts-warn/#ixzz1g2MLMhJf
In these very difficult economic times, companies have cut back on staffing, added more and more projects to achieve their expected growth rates and are relying on these workers to produce at the highest levels of productivity and quality. Is it any wonder that employees are more dissatisfied at work than ever with many of them focused on finding the next job and leaving their existing employers.
As shared yesterday, we have moved from a “we” to a “me” society. Is it any wonder that this has happened given the ever increasing lack of loyalty by employers, the overwhelming need for companies to achieve their financial goals for Wall Street and their shareholders? Oh did I mention the fact that the average pay ratio between CEO’s and employees for the Fortune 50 companies is 213 to 1. And the CEO to worker pay ratio at United Health Group is 1,737 to 1. Hmmm. See the infographic: http://www.payscale.com/ceo-income
So let’s summarize. Employers hammering employees to do more with less. More information for employees causing high levels of stress. Employee dissatisfaction at all time high levels. People disconnected from their friends and family. Sound bite society. Occupy America.
Houston, we have a problem.
Please let me know what you think about this blog. Have a great weekend.
Webman
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