Pros and Cons of Technology’s
Impact on Work-life Balance
There are very few parts of life that remain untouched by
technology in one way or another. From medicine to autonomous cars, we’re
advancing at breakneck speed, and in many ways, our lives are greatly improved
because of it.
In the workplace, advances in technology allow us to work in
new ways that weren’t possible in the past. Constraints, like location, have
become more of a non-issue, and we are more connected to the office than ever
before. However, when it comes to balancing those capabilities with our
personal lives, it presents several pros and cons for work-life balance.
We’re always
accessible
With an entire suite of communication tools found on a single, pocket-sized
device, it’s easier than ever to get in touch with just about anyone these
days, no matter where in the world they may be. And that includes your boss or
employees. According to a Workplace
Trends study, “65% of employees say that their managers expect them to be
reachable outside of the office.” However, such easy accessibility, when taken
advantage of, often comes at the expense of work-life balance.
The key is to set boundaries and expectations to find a
happy medium. Easier accessibility isn’t always a bad thing. Smartphones have
become a communications hub, and research
from Accenture found that 77% of professionals believe
such technology enables them to have more flexibility in their schedules.
It’s easier to work
remotely
Technology that helps make us more accessible has also made it easier for many
employees to work remotely—an organizational structure that has only increased
in popularity in recent years. Working from home, a coffee shop, or on the road
is commonplace for many companies, and according to the Workplace Trends study,
such arrangements are being more openly embraced by employers because of
benefits including improved employee satisfaction, greater productivity, and
increased retention.
Of course, the ability to do many jobs from anywhere there’s
an internet connection or phone signal also makes it easier for work to intrude
upon personal lives. Research
from Accenture found that 75% of professionals report they
work “frequently” or “occasionally” during paid time off, which can
significantly affect work-life balance.
So, despite mounting deadlines and work commitments that
show little mercy, it’s important to learn how to draw a line between where the
office ends and personal life begins.
We’re becoming more
efficient
Advances in technology are also making the workplace more efficient. From
time-saving apps to digital storage options that help reduce clutter,
workplaces are adapting in ways that let employees make better use of their
time. Many everyday tasks are being automated, leading to increased efficiency
that allows us to work smarter and focus attention on the most important
aspects of work while getting rid of redundancies and wasted effort. And with
better efficiency comes more time to devote to passion projects, take a
vacation, or spend time with friends and family.
We’re getting more done than ever before, but it’s getting
done in a way that also helps enhance work-life balance.
But, only time will tell what the workplace of the future
will look like as technology continues to advance and our work and personal lives
become even more entwined. Regardless, it’s a pretty safe bet the ongoing
struggle of finding work-life balance will always be a priority.