How to use technology - without using your staff
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In spring 2000 the government introduced its Work Life Balance Campaign to promote the business benefits of a greater balance between work life and home.
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At the same time, new technologies have gradually transformed the way we work. Today, wireless email, palms, mobiles, handhelds and many other devices all mean we can work from almost anywhere – and have all the information we need literally at our fingertips. Working from home cuts out the stress of commuting, and when we do have to work away it’s easier to stay productive and to work effectively. Companies can reduce the costs of travel and office space, and things get done a lot more quickly. Indeed, companies now depend on good technology to stay competitive, and employees expect it to be part of their toolkit.
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That’s the theory. But what happens when these technologies starts to intrude into an employee’s personal time and home life, and the lines become blurred? Being constantly ‘contactable’ and accessible often leads to a feeling that ‘big brother’ is watching from the office, and this can lead to greater negative spill-over from work to home. Feeling pressured to answer an email and ‘win the sale’ on an evening out with friends is hardly good work life balance.
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There are currently no heath and safety guidelines at all for employers when it comes to new communications technologies. But employers do have a duty of care towards each employee to respect their privacy and personal time. And good business practice suggests that companies who have a formal policy to protect employees will win out competitively in the end. For best results these should include guidelines for employees as well.
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Fredi Nonyelu from BriteYellow and Angela Rhodes from Crispin Rhodes will present a seminar on the 8th of November 2005 on the potential pitfalls of wiring up your workforce and highlight how you as an employer can not only protect the wellbeing of your staff, but protect yourself from potential repercussions.
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Key Benefits
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- Discover how to enhance work-life balance through effective use of mobile working technologies
- Harness the power of electronic mobility to increase productivity and lower costs
- Create new opportunities through more flexible mobile working strategies.
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For more information, please contact Beverley Berrill at Milton Keynes Business and Technology Network on:
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Tel +44 (0)1908 259000 email beverley.berrill@mk-chamber.co.uk
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