Work Design and Technology
Work Design and Technology
The goal of work design is to improve job satisfaction, productivity, and enhance employee well-being. With the advancements of technology over the years, work design has also advanced. Today's technology allows for individuals to work from home, a coffee shop or even the beach. All that is needed is a laptop and a cell phone and a lot can be accomplished. This is called a virtual office. Working from a virtual office can eliminate a frustrating commute to work, allowing you to sleep in. You can work each day in your PJ's if you want, you don't have to fix your hair or make-up, and you have freedom to pretty much come and go as you please. Employees will also save money on gas and car repairs, eliminate the cost of a pricey business wardrobe, expensive business lunches, and much more. A virtual office not only saves the employee money, but it also saves the company money. The company can reduce or eliminate most overhead cost such as office space, utilities, taxes, and licensing fees. These savings for the company can allow the organization to offer better benefits to employees. With the many positives that come with the advancements in technology, there are a few negatives.
"As a force for change, new technology is a double edged sword that can be used to improve job performance or to create stress." (ORGB, Nelson/Quick, 2nd ed)
"For companies which employ telecommuters, lack of interaction can be a major problem. This is especially true for projects which require brainstorming or input from several members of a project group. Teleconferencing and virtual reality programs such as Second Life attempt to recreate this sense of real-time interaction; however, technical limitations and malfunctions mean that such efforts still often fall short." (www.ehow.com/about_5272726_disadvantages-virtual-office.html) With a lack of interaction comes isolation. Employees who work from a virtual office may miss out on
The goal of work design is to improve job satisfaction, productivity, and enhance employee well-being. With the advancements of technology over the years, work design has also advanced. Today's technology allows for individuals to work from home, a coffee shop or even the beach. All that is needed is a laptop and a cell phone and a lot can be accomplished. This is called a virtual office. Working from a virtual office can eliminate a frustrating commute to work, allowing you to sleep in. You can work each day in your PJ's if you want, you don't have to fix your hair or make-up, and you have freedom to pretty much come and go as you please. Employees will also save money on gas and car repairs, eliminate the cost of a pricey business wardrobe, expensive business lunches, and much more. A virtual office not only saves the employee money, but it also saves the company money. The company can reduce or eliminate most overhead cost such as office space, utilities, taxes, and licensing fees. These savings for the company can allow the organization to offer better benefits to employees. With the many positives that come with the advancements in technology, there are a few negatives.
"As a force for change, new technology is a double edged sword that can be used to improve job performance or to create stress." (ORGB, Nelson/Quick, 2nd ed)
"For companies which employ telecommuters, lack of interaction can be a major problem. This is especially true for projects which require brainstorming or input from several members of a project group. Teleconferencing and virtual reality programs such as Second Life attempt to recreate this sense of real-time interaction; however, technical limitations and malfunctions mean that such efforts still often fall short." (www.ehow.com/about_5272726_disadvantages-virtual-office.html) With a lack of interaction comes isolation. Employees who work from a virtual office may miss out on