- Security professionals carry multiple devices to work, increasing stress
- Notification spam is also overwhelming for employees
- All-in-one devices can help reduce pressure and stress on employees
The modern office environment is heavily dependent on technology, with the average professional working with three devices every day, including laptops, tablets, headphones and even multiple phones. While this technology plays a vital role in increasing productivity, the sheer volume of gadgets is causing stress and anxiety for many.
At the recent HONOR Magic V3 launch event, the company released a study that exposes the growing mental strain that professionals face due to their dependence on multiple devices.
To address these challenges, there is a need for a more streamlined and less burdensome way for professionals to stay connected and productive.
Technology overload continues to increase
A survey of 8,000 office workers across Europe shows that the apparent challenges of managing multiple devices are playing a role as the problem of technology overload goes beyond just the mental strain.
Many professionals also struggle with the physical burden of transporting multiple devices to and from the office, and as the number of times they have to return to the office increases across the continent, professionals are spending more and more time commuting.
On average, employees carry three technical devices or accessories in their bag, which together weigh an average of 4.1 kg – the equivalent of carrying an air fryer to work. The physical toll of transporting such a load is a concern, with 12% of workers concerned about the negative impact on their health.
For those who rely on technology for hybrid working, the burden is even greater. 67% of respondents said they are carrying more technology to accommodate their flexible work schedules, adding to both physical and mental demands.
While one in three professionals recognized the importance of these devices in improving their work, they also reported feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of technology. A quarter (25%) of respondents admit they struggle with the number of notifications they receive on their devices, with one in seven receiving more than 30 notifications per day.
Managing the constant stream of notifications from multiple devices can be mentally exhausting, adding to the burden of keeping up with an increasing number of gadgets. 65% of respondents say they often lose track of their devices, leading to frustration and stress.
A simple way out of this situation is to use simpler technologies, possibly an all-in-one device that could streamline their daily technical needs. One in five respondents said they wished they could rely on a single device to perform all essential functions, reducing the need for a large number of gadgets. More than half (52%) of respondents said they would be willing to pay a premium for a device that could replace several others.
Many employees are starting to see foldable phones as a possible solution to this problem, with one in six saying a foldable phone would make their lives easier. These devices offer the promise of combining the functionality of a smartphone and tablet in one, and are aimed at professionals who want fewer, more versatile gadgets.
The research also shows that 1 in 4 office workers would feel lost without their gadgets, with 15% even saying their lives revolve around technology. For these people, ditching technology altogether isn’t an option, even though managing multiple devices is stressful.
“The research shows that professionals are burdened – both literally and figuratively – by their devices,” said Tony Ran, chairman of HONOR EU.