More connectivity affecting work-life balance

Increased access to technology and a changing work environment are blurring the line between work and life, according to a recent study.

“The average American puts in more than a month and a half of overtime a year – just by answering calls and emails at home,” according to the results of a study published by Good Technology, an enterprise mobility company in California.

“We live in a world today where it is difficult to balance personal needs with the expectations of work,” said Dale Eilerman, director of organizational learning at Samaritan Behavioral Health in Kettering.

These expectations require many employees to stay constantly connected and aware of what is happening in the office, according to Nicko van Someren, chief technology officer at Good Technology.

Almost half the people who were surveyed said they feel they have “no choice” but to remain constantly connected to work because their customers demand quick replies, the study said.

“It’s a symptom of a fast-moving world,” van Someren said. “When the rest of the business world is moving fast, you need to be able to respond fast, too.”

Companies that work internationally also face the issue of responding to customers in varying time zones.

“We have to be available to answer questions and discuss things with clients no matter what time zones they’re in,” said Tim Hull, president and CEO of TDH Marketing, Inc., in Dayton. “The new technology has really facilitated the ability to expand the regions businesses can work in.”

Technology — such as apps, smartphones and video and web conferencing — has provided a way for people to remain connected to the office and to customers.

Using these technologies to stay connected has positive effects, according to John Herrema, senior vice president of corporate strategy at Good Technology.

“The end result is happier customer, more business being generated and better reviews, which has a cumulative effect over time,” he said. “Otherwise you’re just leaving productivity on the table and you’re being less responsive to your customers.”

In addition, a constant connectivity to work and instant access to corporate information may allow people more time to spend doing other things.

“I highly value having this access because it allows me to do my job — and do my job effectively — and it offers me a lot of personal freedom,” Herrema said. “It can actually help you have even more of a personal balance.”

“I think that this connectivity—yes it has the potential to let it take over our lives—but if you do it right, it’s actually liberating,” said van Someren. “It lets you be wherever you want to be and still be in touch.”

However, others think this constant connectivity upsets the balance between work and life.

People should not feel obligated to stay connected to their phones or e-mails after work, Eilerman said.

“It’s not an expectation or a requirement; it’s a choice,” he said. “We need to make a choice about the relative value of doing it and the cost it puts on our lives. Eventually it starts to take a toll.”

A constant connectivity to work can cause stress and affect people’s ability to manage a work-life balance, Eilerman said.

“Our body needs time to recover from stress,” he said. “The solution is to recognize the counterbalance that’s needed. If we put stress on our brain, then we need to give it time to rest.”

Some local businesses provide a counterbalance to stress by offering special programs and benefits to help employees manage a better work-life balance.

“We have always offered family-friendly, flexible benefits that bring balance to employees’ work and their lives,” said Kathy Molnar, director of total compensation and staffing at the University of Dayton.

In addition, Reynolds and Reynolds—along with many other businesses—offers a fitness center for its employees to relieve stress.

“Exercise is an important part of relieving stress and achieving a good, healthy balance,” said Tom Schwartz, spokesperson for Reynolds and Reynolds in Kettering.

This balance helps make people more effective, he said.

“Part of the effectiveness you can bring to your vocation is a freshness of perspective, a level of energy, a level of inquisitiveness and a passion,” Schwartz said.

“It’s very important to have a good [balance],” Hull said. “It keeps your mind fresh and your enthusiasm up.”

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Emily Study