Too Much Information is 2008 Problem of the Year

Basex Inc. has announced that "information overload" will be the problem of the year in 2008. They say that companies are losing tons of money due to lower productivity because of too many interruptions. So, basically, too much information is being shared, and as a result workers are getting less done. In fact, Basex has estimated that in 2006 these interruptions cost the United States economy $650 billion.

Most people receive plenty of e-mails, instant messages, voice messages and text messages throughout the day, and a lot of them are more of an interruption than a benefit. Basex said that "It's not just a case of too much e-mail, too many interruptions, too many projects, and too much content. It's all these things clashing - sometimes like an orchestra without a conductor."

As a result Basex has released a report that looks at these issues and list different strategies companies can use to help handle "information overload," which includes several tips that should show improvement immediately. So, think twice before you get ready to send out an e-mail to tons of people, or do a "reply all" to an e-mail.

While I do not think "information overload" will be the problem of the year in 2008, I do feel that it will continue to be a problem, and should be something all companies are aware of.