Exposure to Repetitive Computer‐based Work

The implementation of new technology in the workplace has produced some negative responses from employers. Two field surveys investigating the prevalence of repetitive VDU work in the UK are discussed and responses from four categories of workers – data entry operators, administrators, programmers and supervisors – are analysed. Critical psychological variables show that in all cases data entry operators gave more extreme (worse) responses than any other group. It is concluded that there appears to be widespread evidence of more routine menial tasks having been created as a result of the introduction of new technology. Guidelines regarding the use of VDUs, especially over protracted periods, are advocated, with the introduction of timely rest breaks.