MORE than a quarter of the region's workers say workplace technology is ramping up their job stress.

According to research by risk management, insurance and advisory firm Willis Towers Watson, 42 per cent of those North West employees surveyed said a heightening of workload caused by tech ­— from computer software to mobiles ­— was the main reason for increased stress.

Other stress-inducing side-effects of technology were a lack of tech reliability, cited by 39 per cent; tighter deadlines, cited by 35 per cent; and an excessive level of complexity, cited by 18 per cent.

While a lack of human interaction caused by technology was also said to increase stress by 29 per cent of people.

Mike Blake, wellbeing lead at Willis Towers Watson, said: “Technology can be a considerable force for good with the potential to act as a catalyst for smarter, more efficient and more flexible working.

“Despite offering a wealth of opportunities to improve our working lives, however – simplifying and, in some cases, eradicating many mundane or laborious tasks – these findings highlight that, in some cases, it can be both a blessing and a curse."

In order to counteract these stresses 41 per cent of respondents said they coped by working longer hours.

A further 14 per cent said they avoided tech-based tasks, and 11 per cent delegated them to colleagues.

Mr Blake added: “The drive to introduce new technology is inevitable as businesses search for more efficient ways of working, but these findings should act as a call to action to ensure it is adopted strategically, and deployed with appropriate levels of support, training and consideration to the mental wellbeing of users."