Technology unplugs employees' work-life balance

Blackberrys, iPhones and other mobile communications devices have made it easier to stay connected to our personal networks and needs. But these new technologies also have made it easier for us to stay tethered to our work.

While technologies such as e-mail or mobile phones can save time and allow us to be readily accessible, if not properly balanced -- both by employers and employees -- they have the potential to do more harm than good

Connectivity technology has not only the workplace but also our personal lines by further blurring the lines between the two. Top executives have always, literally and figuratively, taken their work home with them. Now virtually all of us do.

At Intabase we constantly review our connectivity policies to ensure we get the balance right for the business, but more importantly for our employees.

Each individual has a variety of different needs. Some staff enjoy the office environment, while others find themselves to be more productive at home where there are fewer distractions. Technology has allowed organisations to offer employees an added benefit having flexible work schedules and working from home. A consequence of those flex schedules is that e-mail, voice and text messages are being sent back forth between employees and the organisation at all hours of the day.

This is an increasing occurrence as the marketplace becomes more global and turnaround responses are expected, if not needed, in very short amounts of time.

The question then becomes when do you turn off your Blackberry and otherwise unplug?

It is important to remain acutely aware of your employees' working environments and schedules. Maintaining awareness will not only aid in retention efforts but also performance management. With more and more employees working in virtual offices, the challenges for managers have increased.

Increased work hours and continuous availability do not always produce a greater level of productivity. Technology has turned flexibility into a core competency in today's competitive marketplace. As the workplace continues to evolve, employees still need to clock out and unplug at the end of the day.