Seven tips for dealing with tech frustrations at work

You aren’t alone if you’re frustrated with all the technology you have to use at work.

Out of 115 million employed adults, about 65 million of them use a computer at work.

This statistic is from 2001, which means you can bet that even more people find themselves using computers and other technology throughout the day today. Being frustrated usually means feeling like you don’t have control.

Although you may not be able to choose whether you work at a computer or the type of software you use on a daily basis, there are other things you can do to make dealing with tech frustrations at work a little easier.

Do a little research

If you get to the heart of your frustration, you may discover that you’re frustrated simply because you don’t know a lot about the technology you’re using.

Doing a little research can go a long way towards understanding, and it can reduce anxiety and frustration.

For example, do you know if the company you work for uses zero trust security or perimeter-based security? Exactly how does the cloud work? What features are available to you on your company’s CRM program?

Answering questions like these can help you get to know the tech you use on a daily basis.

When you know how it works, you’re more likely to use it the right way, thereby decreasing the likelihood of getting frustrated.

Plan for daily tech setbacks

Few things are more annoying than trying to work on an important project or trying to meet a deadline, only to be faced with a tech challenge that stops you in your tracks.

Whether it’s a software update, a frozen program, or trying to locate a saved file you have misplaced, there are going to be times throughout the day when you have to deal with tech frustrations instead of work.

Do yourself a favour and plan this into your day. For example, create a daily schedule that outlines between seven and seven and a half hours of work.

That way, you’ve got an extra half an hour to an hour every day to deal with things that come up at the last minute that you didn’t plan for.

Know how to keep important files safe

We’ve all been there. You’re working on a project, and whether your computer freezes and has to be shut down or it you simply can’t locate the file you’re looking for, it’s gone.

Nothing can ruin your day like realising hours of hard work have been for nothing.

Know how to keep important files safe to keep this from happening. That includes saving your progress as you’re working and ironing out a file naming system that works for you, but it also means knowing how to back up your data.

A few ways to do that include:

· Backing up your entire computer system on an external hard drive

· Saving important files on a flash drive

· Saving all your work to the cloud

Find opportunities to do things the old fashioned way

There’s no denying that technology makes our lives more efficient, but it also makes life quite dull.

Not only can sitting at a computer all day cause back pain and eye fatigue, it’s also true that it may not be the best way to get certain things done. For example, handwriting has cognitive benefits that typing on a computer does not.

Step away from technology throughout your day and look for things that can be done the old-fashioned way.

For example, write in a paper planner instead of using the calendar on your computer, brainstorm for a new project under a tree outside, or stop by a coworker’s desk to ask them a question instead of sending them an email.

Know who and how to ask for help

No matter how much you try to understand the programs you’re using, there will always be times when you need help.

From general problems, like dealing with a slow computer, to programs that you just can’t seem to figure out, it’s a good idea to know exactly who you can ask for help.

Talk to your manager about who you should ask, as it may not be who you think. It’s also important to ask how to ask for help. For example, general questions may be best sent in an email, while a phone call may be appropriate in an emergency.

Request additional training

Training and development is important in the office. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes a backseat in the name of productivity.

Don’t feel ashamed or scared to ask for more training in order to use tech in the office more efficiently. If you’re struggling, chances are, others in the office are struggling too.

Not to mention, requesting more training shows initiative, which can show management that you’re serious about getting the work done.

Have a plan when working outside the office

A lot of work gets done in the office, but in today’s modern world, a lot of work happens outside the office too.

Whether you like to catch up on your emails before you go to bed or you spend a portion of the workweek in a home office, it’s important to have a plan.

Tips for working at home include using a VPN and knowing how to show up to meetings remotely, but it’s important to have a plan if you want to check in at work more informally.

For example, if you like to respond to emails, you may want to make sure you have a computer at home, as typing out lengthy responses on a cell phone or a tablet can be a nightmare.

There are a lot of things you can be frustrated about at work. Don't let technology be one of those things.

With the tips on this list, you can tackle the tech you deal with on a daily basis, so you experience less stress and anxiety inside and outside the office.

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