The efficient worker and the technologies of the self

In a recent study (Roth-Ebner 2015), the theory of Mediatisation was empirically explored in the field of office work, an area that is moulded to a large extent by the use of digital media. The study focused on people who communicate intensively with digital media and on the question how they meet the challenges of mediatized work. The results revealed that the office workers elaborate individual strategies and practices that are the consequence of detailed considerations, experiences and trials. The most important themes to occur were the efficiency of the media use and the efficiency of work processes in general. That is why the term of the “efficient worker" was introduced to describe the outcomes. Characteristic is his/her striving for efficient work and work-related communication in order to tackle a maximum of tasks. Digital media are used as tools that help to efficiently organize, coordinate, conduct, evaluate and archive the work.