Here at Newsflash Online, we know that technology can bring enormous benefits to people’s professional and personal lives.
There are also downsides and dangers in technology, however. Sometimes, it’s not just down to the functionality of the tech itself, but in how we choose to utilise it. Being constantly connected can be a great idea during working hours, for example. It can also be beneficial to employers for employees to be reachable out of office hours. However, one Accenture study found that 70% of respondents said that technology caused work to creep into their personal lives.
According to Jaspar Weir, Co-Founder and President at outsourcing provider Taskus, it’s actually in the employer’s interest to improve the work-life balance of their staff, and technology can play a big part in doing so.
Technology itself is ‘neither good nor bad’
Writing for Forbes, he said: ‘Technology in and of itself is neither good nor bad. How we use it can determine whether it can help or hinder work-life balance. We live in a digital world, where it’s easier than ever to communicate beyond the office walls. I believe that the onus is on the employer to create a culture that can support employees’ work-life balance.’
Weir said that there were three main ways that he saw technology impacting this area in his own business.
Firstly, it can improve productivity in a number of areas. With offices in different geographical locations and time zones, productivity software and other tools can be used to let teams coordinate and collaborate much more efficiently, which allows more to be done within office hours – wherever that office might be located.
‘Picking the right productivity app for your company can actually empower employees to make the most of their time so they can get work done better and faster, which allows them more time to live their own lives,’ Weir said.
Technology can give workers greater flexibility
Using technology can also produce more flexibility, allowing people to work remotely, whether that meant from home or while on the move.
Finally, Weir said that his company provides employees with apps and technology that can aid mindfulness and help them to get ‘centred.’ He said that they not only supply the Headspace app but also encourage employees to centre themselves in other ways, such as taking breaks from computers and other tech throughout the working day.
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