Workers are more connected — a good or bad thing?
Filed under: Employee computer use, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views
Does your organization have a lot of employees who often work while they’re not in the office?
Not surprisingly, more companies would answer “Yes” to that question than ever before, according to a recent survey by the Pew Internet and American Life Project.
Half the respondents said they check work e-mail over the weekend — and 22% do so often, up from 16% who said the same in 2002.
Is this a good of bad thing for companies and their employees?
First, the good news: 80% say new technologies have helped them do their jobs better, and 58% said they now have more control over when they have to be at work.
But 46% said increased connectivity means they’re working more hours than ever before. And 49% said it’s hard for them to get away when they should be taking time off.
What do you think? Is the increased productivity a bonus, or are workers just getting too stressed for their own good? Give us your opinion in the comments section below.
Comments
One Comment on Workers are more connected — a good or bad thing?
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Chris Rigel on
Tue, 28th Oct 2008 4:25 pm
I love being able to be more connected. It helps me not miss important issues that develop when I’m not at my desk. Being able to be in touch across time zones and while traveling carries tangible benefits. The down side is not just that we can become compulsive about checking email–and that’s a pretty bad down side–but there is also an expectation of around-the-clock access that underlies worker stress. Being available to jump in at the odd hour and help facilitate a decision is great. But we need to know when to (with apologies to Timothy Leary) turn off, tune out and drop back into our own lives.
