Narrowing the Gap Between People and Computers

2008-07-14 15:11:57

( Computers )



People and Computers - A Love-Hate Relationship

Not all people using computers in workplaces are that technologically savvy. Depending on individual training and socio-economic background, some people may have mixed or even hostile feelings about using computers.

This is true especially for older employees, especially those who come from cultural environments where computers are hardly used. These are the types that would be most aversive to using computers. They perceive the computer as a menace rather than as a valuable working tool, and feel inferior to other colleagues.

Then there's the employee who has physical disabilities in hearing or vision that may impede him from functioning efficiently with an office computer.

A Question of Proper Usage

For the majority of employees, it's not a question of knowing what to use but how to use it properly. It's mostly a case of habit or what the person is used to doing even prior to getting hired by the company. One employee may be able to do the job faster than his cohorts simply because he knows certain keyboard short-cuts that they don't. Or he is naturally used to multi-tasking and can easily finish tasks in half the time that the others do.

Adverse Responses to Changes

The most common deterrent to an optimal relationship between people and computers is when your company needs to introduce new software as a response to changing business environments.

Even the most adept users in your company will usually resent the new software due to force of habit. They feel that it is a burden to have to learn another way of executing their functions, and they find the transition painful and difficult.

Resolving Problems and Issues about People and Computers

You can provide remedial training sessions for people who are insecure about using computers. Provide them with easy reference charts and walk them through the entire set of procedures. Peers at work can also help their less savvy colleagues by tipping them off on easier ways to perform computer tasks. Keep reminding them that today's operating systems are very user-friendly.

Thanks to modern technology, you can also get especially modified computers for people with disabilities. You will enable these employees to do their best and feel a sense of pride in being able to keep up with the rest of the workforce.

When you introduce any hardware or software changes, make sure that you also know how to cope with the changes. Gradually orient your employees into adapting to the new system. If possible, train your employees in batches and give each one your full attention until everyone feels comfortable about the changes. And don't forget to motivate them with praise and incentives.


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