UK businesses are becoming concerned about embracing new technology, despite the benefits it offers
A recent BT survey has revealed a widespread sense of unease among business leaders when it comes to new and emerging technologies.
The company’s research found that the majority (86%) of corporate executives suffer from so-called ‘bytemares’: technology-induced stress that affects the quality of executives’ sleep.
Business leaders’ concerns included cybersecurity and artificial intelligence – two key topics that have increasingly come into the spotlight in recent years.
Business leaders are nervous about developing technologies
The relentless pace of technological evolution in the workplace is responsible for leaders’ concerns, with almost nine in ten (88%) claiming technology is a major source of their stress. That’s despite three in five (62%) noting that digital transformation is critical to the survival of their business.
Beyond its effects on employees and leaders, BT suggests that 104,000 UK businesses will forgo investment in new technology due to the associated stresses of implementation, transformation and upskilling. What BT calls ‘tech paralysis’ could ultimately cost the UK economy £11.8 billion by 2030.
Three in four business leaders cited artificial intelligence as a stressor for themselves, with many concerned about data privacy and security, quality and reliability, and its potential to pose an existential threat to their business.
Bas Burger, CEO of Business at BT, commented: “Today every business is a digital business – and our research shows that the pace of change is taking its toll.”
To ensure leaders can tackle their stress, BT believes practicing mindfulness and meditation can help calm their minds.
According to BT research, more than half (57%) of business leaders already practice meditation at least once a week, while one in ten (11%) do so daily.
Izzy Judd, presenter of the BT Business Reboot series, added: “Taking a few minutes to step off the to-do list, connect your mind and body and reset your priorities , can give a huge boost to clarity and concentration, while at the same time allowing you to feel calmer.”
BT’s new guided meditation series ‘The Business Reboot’, designed for business leaders, will include episodes focusing on AI, cyber security, data analytics, digital skills and cloud computing. Audio meditations are available to everyone for free.