The Hidden Upside of Tech Challenges
New research distinguishes draining technology hindrances from positive challenges that can stimulate learning and motivation.
Stefan Tams, Ofir Turel, and Kevin HillOctober 21, 2026Reading Time: 8 min
Summary:
The stresses of technological roadblocks and challenges can result in employee ambivalence and easily lead to disengagement. But tech ...
Employee stress is a major social issue both within and outside of our workplaces. As of 2022, stress had increased medical expenses and decreased productivity at an estimated annual cost of up to $300 billion in high-income countries. In the workplace, a proliferation of digital tools and applications, such as Zoom and generative AI, can cause technostress, or mental exhaustion resulting from technology use.1
While few businesses assess the high costs of technostress, even fewer are aware of its more positive potential. When introduced and managed deliberately, tech tools can promote employees’ work satisfaction and...
Copyright of this story solely belongs to sloanreview.mit.edu. To see the full text click HERE
