BUSINESS

Tech Overload: How Bank Workers Are Coping with the Digital Age

IndiaWed Mar 12 2025
In the fast-paced world of banking, technology has become a double-edged sword. On one hand, it drives innovation and keeps customers happy. On the other, it's causing a lot of stress for employees. This is especially true in India, where banks have been quickly adopting new tech since the COVID-19 pandemic. The result? A lot of workers are feeling the pressure, and it's affecting their jobs in negative ways. So, what's the deal with this "technostress"? It's basically the stress that comes from using technology too much. In banks, this can mean anything from struggling with new software to feeling overwhelmed by constant notifications. It's a real issue, and it's not just about feeling tired or frustrated. It can lead to bigger problems, like burnout and even health issues. But here's where things get interesting. It turns out that the relationship between a worker and their boss can make a big difference. When bosses are supportive and communicative, workers are more likely to handle stress better. This is called "leader-member exchange" or LMX. It's like having a good friend at work who's also your boss. So, what can banks do to help their employees? For starters, they need to recognize that technostress is a real problem. They also need to encourage open communication and support between bosses and employees. This can help workers feel more in control and less stressed. But it's not just about the bosses. Banks also need to think about how they're introducing new technology. It's not enough to just roll out new software and expect everyone to figure it out. They need to provide training and support, and they need to be patient. After all, change takes time, and not everyone adapts at the same speed. It's also important to remember that technology isn't going away. In fact, it's only going to become more integrated into our lives and work. So, it's crucial for banks to find ways to manage technostress effectively. This means looking at the problem from different angles, like psychology, technology, and organizational behavior. Only then can they hope to tackle this modern-day challenge.

questions

    If ICTs had feelings, would they be offended by the amount of technostress they cause in the banking industry?
    How can the effectiveness of LMX be measured in mitigating technostress, and what are the potential biases in these measurements?
    Are there secret agreements between tech companies and banks to maximize ICT usage, regardless of the stress it causes to employees?

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