Digital overload is an often used term in our modern lives. I see my high school children who seem to be attached to their devises as often missing out on developing other life skills such as sport, cooking or music. It is all encompassing and their education as well as their entertainment, demands they keep their online lives up to date. Over time I too have increased my online presence which has taken away from other aspects of my life. Work and its requirements exceed the time allocation of the “working day.” I check emails and complete programming at home. I search online sites for relevant teaching resources often in my own time and using my technology.
Interestingly the French government has discussed the idea that a Labor Reform Bill be considered that workplaces of over 50 employees draft a policy whereby work emails will not be responded to until the employee returns to work. (2016) .Huffington Post. This is to alleviate the high levels of work/ stress that is more prevalent in recent times.
Three benefits;
- Information is always available. Our curiosity to answer a question instantly can be satisfied.
- Social connections and inclusion can fulfil our need to belong.
- Time saving. e.g. Paying bills or shopping online is a prudent use of time and energy.
Three negatives;
- Automation has given rise to unemployment and/or underemployment.
- Work crosses over over into home life. A digital work place can demand you respond remotely to aspects of our work.
- Digital distraction of too many aspects of our lives are online .
rawpixel / Pixabay
Reference
https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/work-emails-france-labor-law_us_57455130e4b03ede4413515a?section=australia
