Psychosocial – A newer form of “Stress ”is found in the workplace due to “Tech Advances” which theaverage mechanic can't repair.

A newer form of workplace stress related to technological advances that the average mechanic may not be able to repair. This can be understood as a psychosocial stressor in the workplace.

Psychosocial stress refers to the combination of psychological and social factors that can contribute to stress and its impact on an individual's well-being. In the context of technological advances in the workplace, there are several factors that can contribute to psychosocial stress for mechanics or workers who may face challenges in repairing technologically advanced equipment:

1.?????Skill Gap: The rapid advancement of technology can create a skill gap between traditional mechanics and the knowledge required to repair complex, high-tech equipment. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and stress if mechanics are unable to keep up with the latest advancements.

2.?????Job Insecurity: When new technologies emerge, there may be concerns among mechanics about the potential impact on their job security. If their skills become less relevant or if automation replaces certain tasks, it can create anxiety and stress about the future of their career.

3.?????Increased Workload: Technological advancements can lead to increased work demands as mechanics may need to learn new systems, undergo training, or adapt their work processes. This additional workload and pressure to quickly acquire new skills can contribute to stress and feelings of being overwhelmed.

4.?????Time Pressure: Technological advancements may come with higher expectations for efficiency and productivity. Mechanics may face pressure to complete repairs quickly, leading to time constraints and heightened stress levels.

5.?????Work-Life Balance: Balancing personal life and continuous learning to keep up with technological advancements can be challenging. Mechanics may feel the need to invest additional time outside of work to acquire new skills, potentially impacting their work-life balance and causing stress.

To address psychosocial stress related to technological advances in the workplace, employers can take certain measures:

·???????Training and Support: Employers can provide relevant training programs to mechanics to enhance their technical skills and help them adapt to new technologies. Providing ongoing support and resources can help alleviate stress and build confidence.

·???????Communication and Involvement: Employers should foster open communication channels to address concerns and involve mechanics in decision-making processes related to technology implementation. This can create a sense of ownership and reduce stress associated with uncertainty.

·???????Workload Management: Employers should consider workload distribution and ensure realistic expectations regarding repair times to minimize excessive pressure on mechanics. Adequate staffing and resources can help alleviate stress and prevent burnout.

·???????Work-Life Balance: Promoting work-life balance initiatives, such as flexible scheduling or employee assistance programs, can help mechanics manage the demands of continuous learning while maintaining a healthy personal life.

By recognizing and addressing the psychosocial stressors associated with technological advancements, employers can create a supportive work environment that helps mechanics adapt to changes and mitigate the negative effects of workplace stress.

Peter Blanshard?JP | MIAME | MIAA | MAICD | Dip. Auto. Tech | Dip. Auto. Mgmt?

Chief Executive Officer

Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers

PO Box 70, Blaxcell?NSW?2142 | P (02) 9782 1100 | W www.iame.com.au | F www.facebook.com/iame.online?

E?[email protected] | M 0409 465 336

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