Welcome to my blog

My articles are from various angles that might interest different audiences:

The research category includes my academic publications, opinion pieces on academia or open science or research methods tips,
The teaching category includes textbook reviews, teaching tips or resources for students and teachers in my discipline,
The fiction category has short science-fiction stories about the future of work impacted by technology,
The opinion category presents opinion pieces on work and technology and various ideas on how to apply my research.

Modèle commenté de charte sur le droit à la déconnexion

29/06/2017 Research, Impact, Opinion Work, Technology, Stress

Depuis le 1er janvier 2017, les entreprises doivent encourager chez leurs salariés un usage responsable des outils numériques. Cela peut passer par l'élaboration et la négociation d'une charte dite de "droit à la déconnexion".

Je vous propose dans cet article un modèle commenté d'une telle charte. Ce modèle se base sur des recherches récentes en sciences de gestion, de collègues ou de moi-même. A ce titre, je commente ce modèle d'un point de vue académique, en l'étayant de sources complémentaires.

22/03/2017 Impact Work, Technology, Telework

Professional article: Featured in Le Monde on Web Robinson

22/03/2017 Impact Work, Technology, Telework

Le Monde featured my comments on Gauthier Toulemonde's teleworking adventure. The articles are titled "Télétravail de l’extrême: Gauthier Toulemonde au premier jour" and "« Ma volonté est de faire de façon un peu inédite la promotion du travail à distance »".

Article in French.

08/03/2017 Research Publication, Work, Technology, Stress, Research

Publication: Workplace stress from actual and desired computer-mediated communication use: a multi-method study

08/03/2017 Research Publication, Work, Technology, Stress, Research

Abstract:

The use of computer-mediated communication applications can lead to workplace stress for employees. However, such stress is influenced not only by how individuals actually use computer-mediated communication applications but also how they desire to use them. This article examines how the individual's actual and desired use of communication tools together influence his or her workplace stress. It does so across a range of computer-mediated media (e.g. email or instant messaging) and workplace stressors (e.g. workload or work relationships). This investigation is conducted using a multi-method research design. The quantitative study found that desired and actual use together influenced workplace stress, mostly for email, but not for other media. The qualitative study further showed that such influence depends on organisational conditions such as available media or co-workers preferences. The findings emphasise the importance of considering the individuals’ desired use of CMC media and their subjective appraisals of different media.

25/11/2015 Research Publication, Work, Technology, Stress, Research

Publication: Information and Communication Technology Demands: Outcomes and Interventions

25/11/2015 Research Publication, Work, Technology, Stress, Research

Abstract:

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review four demands employees face when communicating through information and communication technologies (ICTs). We review the outcomes associated with each demand and discuss relevant interventions to provide a set of evidence-based recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews the following demands associated with ICTs: response expectations, constant availability, increased workload and poor communication. We draw upon empirical research to highlight outcomes and intervention strategies, before discussing implications for research and practice.

Findings – The findings suggest that there are diverse outcomes associated with each demand. The outcomes were not inherently negative as evidence suggests that positive performance outcomes can arise from response expectations and constant availability, although they may be allied by health and wellbeing costs.

Practical implications – A number of practical strategies are described to help organizations address computer-mediated communication demands, including tailored training, organizational policies and role modelling. The paper also outlines suggestions for future research on the dark side of IT use.

Originality/value – This paper integrates four interrelated demands that employees can face when communicating through technology. We extend knowledge by analyzing interventions which enables a synthesis of implications for practice.

12/08/2015 Opinion Work, Technology

Virtual Surrogates and the Future of Work

12/08/2015 Opinion Work, Technology

Google recently filed a new patent for a robot able to impersonate users in virtual interactions. This bot will analyse an user’s emails, texts, posts on social media, and probably all the ‘breadcrumbs’ the user leaves behind while scrolling through the Web. It will then write on the user’s behalf, mimicking his or her style and knowledge. “For example, it may be very important to say “congratulations” to a friend when that friend announces that she/he has gotten a new job”, explains Google. A less automatised feature will just suggest possible answers to the user, leaving him or her the choice of posting this robotic reply.

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Jean-François Stich