Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
–Unknown

Isn’t technology amazing!

The things we can do at work these days: video conferencing, distance learning, instant messaging, and more.

According to the most recent figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 77 million workers or 55.5% of employees use the computer at work.

With all the technology available to us, it can become difficult to just get away and find time to breathe. That’s why popping in our ear buds and creating our own little work world by listening to our iPod or MP3 can sometimes be the only relief.

Unfortunately, having our own work world may not be conducive to creating a good working relationship with co-workers.

A recent article in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune indicated that while wearing an iPod allows each individual the opportunity to listen without invading someone else’s space and helps keep out other office noises, the distraction can result in an increase in errors while limiting the wearer’s ability to hear ringing phones, co-workers or alarms. 

USA Today added that it not only looks unprofessional and like you’re not working but workers who are nearby can still become annoyed if music is played through speakers.  In addition, if employees connect to company computers, they can access and store company information or introduce viruses to the system. 

One positive note was that iPods and MP3s make a good workplace tool because companies can download training so employees can take it on the go or get updates on news relevant to the company.

So as usual, we have to take the good with the bad. It’s all a matter of how you use it.

This entry was posted on Monday, February 26th, 2007 at 10:40 am and is filed under Company Culture, Organizational Change. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site. Your comments will appear immediately, but I reserve the right to delete innapropriate comments.