Managing Computer-Related Anxiety and Stress within Organizations

Abstract

Computer-related anxiety and stress affects everyone who uses a computer and is aggravated by poor management, faulty system design, inadequate training, misunderstandings by users of what computers can do, and substandard documentation. Research has shown that computer users, no matter how experienced they are, can experience anxiety and stress that negatively affect their job performance. The problem is so pervasive that no single management strategy, ergonomic plan, training model, or system design can resolve the dilemma. Physical and psychological problems that afflict computer users can be reduced only by a united effort of all people involved with designing systems, training, and operating computers within organizations. This article reviews research in the field, and outlines how management, system designers, and technical communicators can help users relieve stress and anxiety when using and learning how to operate computers. When managers, designers, and technical communicators work together, factors that create computer stress and anxiety can be identified and reduced when computer systems and training are properly designed and managed.