Key To Innovation Lies In Training And Flexibility According To Survey
Being able to multi-task and manage interruptions is a huge part of successful business life these days. However, new figures released today by Konica Minolta suggest that millions of Australian workers are buckling under the sheer volume and variety of information being thrown in their direction.
The Konica Minolta survey reveals that over half of workers in Australia (56%) think they are bombarded by too much information at work. Just 13% of workers think that information overload is not a problem.
The Hon Andrew Robb AO MP says the introduction of office based technology has been a double edged sword: "Thanks to incredible innovations in information technology over the past decade there is an enormous amount of information available to businesses", says Robb.
"The challenge however for business leaders, is how to best disseminate relevant information in a way that employees can classify and act on in an appropriate manner."
Indeed the constant, unregulated barrage of e-mails, instant messages and phone calls may come at the price of efficiency and general health and well-being of staff. Some 51% of professionals agree that email decreases their overall productivity, suggesting that businesses need to act fast to address the issue.
According to Professor Tim Sharp ‘Dr. Happy', from the Happiness Institute, information overload often leads to mental health problems for individuals.
"I'm frequently meeting with people who among other things, seem to be increasingly overwhelmed by the massive amounts of information with which they're required to deal," he said.
"What I see as a result are highly intelligent and competent people struggling with excessive levels of stress and unnecessary distractions that impact on their productivity and efficiency."
‘Information-suffocation' is already being recognised as a serious problem by Morgan Stanley, Microsoft, Intel, academics and others who have recently formed the Information Overload Research Group (IORG).
According to the IORG, information overload is the world's greatest challenge to productivity, an argument supported by the increasing number of firms advising organisations and individuals on how to best manage and combat information overload.
Coining the term ‘information-suffocation', Konica Minolta identified the trend as part of its national seminar series
Innovation: Mind the Gap, which examines the role of innovation in Australian organisations. Andrew Robb addressed over 200 business leaders at the latest seminar in Canberra last week.
Headquartered in Sydney, Konica Minolta delivers expert professional services and experienced, responsive client support, in addition to the world-class service provided through its extensive network of direct sales offices and authorised dealers. For more information, please visit Konica Minolta at www.konicaminolta.com.au
First published: 24 September 2008.
Last updated: 24 September 2008.