NederlandsDrones that can save your life in the event of a cardiac arrest or accident. Earlier this summer, Google received a patent for the use of drones to provide medical services. Life-saving but a very clear example of an ever-increasing impersonality. More and more consumers in our country are complaining about this. High Tech vs High Touch. Which side are you on?
By: Kyra Joosen
John Naisbitt introduced the term High Tech versus High Touch in the late 1980s. The more 'technical' a 
society becomes, the greater the counter-movement and need for High Touch or human interaction. Okay, we're not there yet that a drone, equipped with a life jacket, oxygen device and medical instructions, saves our lives during a diving accident, but are you still very surprised?
Let me describe a situation closer to home… the well-known menu of options at your GP, for example. Before you get to the assistant, you first have to fill in all kinds of choices for 5 minutes. Or you will receive a voicemail with the message that to schedule an appointment you can only call between 9 and 10 am. Irritating? Sure! Yet many companies continue to use it. Easy for the assistant but customer-friendly?
Real Humans
We are confronted daily with the rapid rise of technology. Robots are taking over more and more daily tasks. In the Swedish series Real Humans, 'real people' try to deal with these changes as best they can. But don't we just secretly miss the clumsiness of speaking to the assistant or a birthday card on the doormat. In short, don't we all really like personal attention? Have we lost the balance between High Tech and High Touch? 
As a so-called 'fit girl' I go to the gym every day. My activity tracker on my wrist tells you exactly the status of my heart rate, the intensity of the training and the number of calories burned. At any time of the day I can see how many steps I still have to take and what nutrients I still need to get. All through the robot on my wrist. Yet I regularly visit my personal trainer in real life, for that extra stimulus plus tips & tricks, based on my body, my person.
As a communication specialist at Actief Werkt! I notice that the words 'personal and involvement' are being used more and more. Active believes it is important that we are close to the customer and flexible colleague. To empathize, to understand and to feel. We try to do better work through personal attention. But we also use the words mobile and online. Look at our app My Active, the search for new employees via social media and our mobile registration locations throughout Nederland .
Whether it's a drone full of medicines, an activity tracker or My Active, most people like to receive personal attention in all three cases: the doctor, personal trainer or consultant. In short, let's all look for the right balance between technology and human interaction.
I am Kyra Joosen, communication specialist at employment agency Actief Werkt! In addition to writing about the temporary employment industry and everything that comes with it, I am also responsible for internal and labor market communication.