"HIGH-TECH gadgets such as Palm Pilots and Blackberries are being blamed for an alarming slump in productivity among Scots workers.
A study by Glasgow-based training specialists Priority Management reveals that, rather than making life easier for businesses, new technology can make employees less productive.
The rise in popularity of devices such as Blackberries, which allow staff to be contacted by email 24/7, is affecting day-to-day output, claims the report.
According to the findings, more than 85 per cent of people spend an hour or more a day merely scanning rather than responding to emails.
The poll revealed one in four people used their gadgets to keep up with the latest trends rather than enhance productivity.
Priority Management boss Gilly Macmorran said: 'People are forgetting the importance of things such as planning, goal-setting and even to-do lists, and are instead rushing to acquire the latest technological tools.
'People run the risk of becoming slaves to technology. It's making them busier, but not necessarily more productive - and certainly not happier.'
Here is a series of tips to help you cope with technology: #Transfer items from your email inbox directly into tasks or appointments. This will help you manage your inbox better and force you into making decisions about what you do with emails.
#Turn off alarms on your PC, Blackberry, PDA or mobile phone so you aren't driven by beeps.
#Maximise the use of all folders such as inbox, calendar, tasks and contacts so they are linked and a one-stop-shop to manage all your work is created.
#Set the agenda for your day rather than react to the needs of othersTOP TIPOffice gadgets are there to make your life easier. The boss won't thank you if you spend all day fooling with office toys to the detriment of your work"
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