Technology Use and Employee Assessments of Work Effectiveness, Workload, and Pace of Life

This study draws on survey data collected in 2001/2002 from two distinct regional samples of employees (N = 1667 and 547) and uses multivariate analytical techniques to assess ICT user versus non-user perceptions about the role technology plays in enhancing work effectiveness, increasing workloads, and accelerating the pace of life. I also investigate whether different devices or applications, used in different contexts (for work, for personal needs, or both), influence worker assessments of productivity and demands in different ways. I find that: (1) the frequency of computer, email, and cell phone use positively influences assessments that ICT use is connected to greater workplace effectiveness, an increased work load, and an accelerated pace of life; (2) computer and email use is linked more reliably to assessments regarding workplace effectiveness and work load than cell phone use; and (3) while both personal and work-related forms of ICT use influence productivity and pace-of-life assessments, work-related use only appears linked to assessments of increasing work demands. Overall, the findings indicate that perceptions about the social consequences of ICT use depend both on what device or application is used (computers versus cell phones), as well as the context (work versus personal) of this use.