Smartphones have made it possible for executives to slip the office into their pockets.
As technology becomes more mobile, it can chain employees to the office 24/7 and blur the boundaries between work and home life. Some people find smartphones help them get more work done, but others are beginning to resent losing control over the ability to keep their two worlds separate. Employers are finding they need policies to let workers know what's expected, but many businesses still offer no clue, causing anxiety and frustration for workers.
Smartphones have made it possible for a person to slip nearly everything at his or her desk So, during intermission at a school play, an employee can give that proposal a final review and send it off. For many, such convenience comes with the challenge of making sure this virtual lifeline to the job doesn't turn into an electronic leash.
Many are finding that mobile technology has the power not only to demolish barriers, but to create them as well. In this recession, employees fear losing their jobs and are more apt to slip into 24/7 answer mode in the absence of policies. A sampling of local municipalities and companies shows that few policies address things like when to check for messages or when smartphones must be turned off. The size of hand-held devices and the fact that employees may be required to carry them at all times probably increases the chances of lost smartphones. Laptops containing valuable data -- like Social Security numbers -- have been lost.
Facts:
- 62% of workers use smartphones from 1-4 hours daily for work.
- 35% of workers use smartphones from 5-14 hours daily for work.
- 49% say they get "carried away" using their device.
- 42% say they think having a company device means always being available for work.
I think that there should be a bigger gap between work and home, they shouldn't interfere and the work regulations should be more strict with solely work phones.
What do you think? Should workers have a more distinct difference between work life and home life?
I agree with this, the boundaries have been blurred and therefore employees' families are suffering as a result of this. On the other hand I agree that a lot of people will need to be this accessible because they are a very important person, therefore I think it is also good that people are accessible as it means they can get more work done it a shorter space of time.
ReplyDeleteI believe that people require access through the internet to their workplace but I think that there should be a limit to avoid this blurring line between work and home.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you agree with my points surrounding this topic, I think you're both correct in saying that there should be a limit to stop the blurring between work and home life. But I can see how it is convenient to have both sides accessible to get work done quickly.
ReplyDelete