Communication overload makes people SAD

A new study reveals the obvious: Office workers want to contact anyone, anytime, but hate it when people contact them, resulting in Stress, Anger and Distraction.

A new research study conducted by the University of Surrey focuses on the effects of modern communications on workplace behavior. Its findings show that the demand for instant, almost constant, communication is adding to workplace Stress, can cause Anger among colleagues and strangers alike, and is proving to be a Distraction for all, both in meetings and in public places.

The study shows, however, that workers want to "have their cake and eat it, too." Office workers get frustrated, stressed and annoyed when they can't reach somebody; and yet resent distractions caused by intrusive communications to their own or their colleagues' meetings and work.

The survey team believes that there is a clear need to establish workplace rules and for management to take a lead in setting examples and standards for each organization. That includes leading by example. In particular, it recommends setting phones to off or silent during meetings; setting voice mail messages to request a text message for urgent matters, holding private calls in private places, and forewarning people that an urgent call may be expected.

More significantly, it encourages people to remember that speaking to a person in person is more effective and more welcome than e-mail, the person they are speaking to deserves their full attention, and that the ability to harass someone electronically does not make a person important or powerful; only annoying.