soulxtc
August 25th, 2006, 06:34 AM
Let's begin with a hypothetical situation: You are hired to do a job which requires you to drink alcoholic beverages. At the start, everything is fine, and you are in complete control. Over time, your employer begins to ask more from you, encouraging you to work overtime, and practically shoves the booze down your throat. Eventually, you become an alcoholic. How much responsibility does your employer bear for your alcoholism?
In that one case, the simple answer is "quite a lot." Of course, no job I know of requires such a dedication to "the sauce," but many employers do encourage a strong commitment to a different form of behavior; one which—it has been argued—is potentially addictive. According to a study soon to be released by researchers at Rutgers University—Camden, employers who encourage workers to remain connected all the time may soon find themselves on the hook for more than just Internet access fees.
Gale Porter, along with study co-authors David Vance and Nada Kakabadse, concludes that employers may be legally liable for creating an environment in which workers may become addicted to technology. "Employers rightfully provide programs to help workers with chemical or substance addictions. Addiction to technology can be equally damaging to the mental health of the worker," states Porter, an associate professor of management at the school.
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060824-7591.html
In that one case, the simple answer is "quite a lot." Of course, no job I know of requires such a dedication to "the sauce," but many employers do encourage a strong commitment to a different form of behavior; one which—it has been argued—is potentially addictive. According to a study soon to be released by researchers at Rutgers University—Camden, employers who encourage workers to remain connected all the time may soon find themselves on the hook for more than just Internet access fees.
Gale Porter, along with study co-authors David Vance and Nada Kakabadse, concludes that employers may be legally liable for creating an environment in which workers may become addicted to technology. "Employers rightfully provide programs to help workers with chemical or substance addictions. Addiction to technology can be equally damaging to the mental health of the worker," states Porter, an associate professor of management at the school.
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060824-7591.html