Technology & Work Life Balance
Running Head: TECHNOLOGY AND WORK LIFE BALANCE 1
Technology and Work Life Balance
Human Resource Perspectives on Work Life Balance
Course
Technology and Work Life Balance 2 Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………….3
OVERVIEW OF TELECOMMUTING…………………………………………………………4
BENEFITS……………………………………………………………………………………….5
CHALLENGES………………………………………………………………………………….6
CONCLUSION………………………………………………………………………………….7
Technology and Work Life Balance 3 INTRODUCTION
As technology has advanced over the years, and become a more prevalent aspect of both work and ‘non-work’ life, it has opened the door to obstacles and opportunities as it relates to work and family. Coupled with technological advances, we have seen many transformations from a social, demographic and work place perspective. Growing up in the 1970’s, I had a stay at home mom, and a father who worked outside of the home. My mom looked after my sister and I, and my father was the ‘breadwinner’. I recall my father being home weekday evenings after work, and every weekend. We participated as a family in many activities, and my father’s work never seemed to spill over into our family time. There were no computers at home, and cell phones were still a thing of the future. Work stayed at work and time at home was spent on personal lives. Fast forward to 2012. My life with a full time career, husband who works full time outside of the home, three children, and two dogs, is a very different story. In addition, technology has exploded, with computers at home that allow access to work, and BlackBerries that allow 24/7 contact with work. I have selected the topic of technology and work life balance, as it impacts me directly in my roles of mother and career woman. The chance to further explore the challenges and opportunities presented by technology is selfish, as I hope to uncover
Technology and Work Life Balance
Human Resource Perspectives on Work Life Balance
Course
Technology and Work Life Balance 2 Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………….3
OVERVIEW OF TELECOMMUTING…………………………………………………………4
BENEFITS……………………………………………………………………………………….5
CHALLENGES………………………………………………………………………………….6
CONCLUSION………………………………………………………………………………….7
Technology and Work Life Balance 3 INTRODUCTION
As technology has advanced over the years, and become a more prevalent aspect of both work and ‘non-work’ life, it has opened the door to obstacles and opportunities as it relates to work and family. Coupled with technological advances, we have seen many transformations from a social, demographic and work place perspective. Growing up in the 1970’s, I had a stay at home mom, and a father who worked outside of the home. My mom looked after my sister and I, and my father was the ‘breadwinner’. I recall my father being home weekday evenings after work, and every weekend. We participated as a family in many activities, and my father’s work never seemed to spill over into our family time. There were no computers at home, and cell phones were still a thing of the future. Work stayed at work and time at home was spent on personal lives. Fast forward to 2012. My life with a full time career, husband who works full time outside of the home, three children, and two dogs, is a very different story. In addition, technology has exploded, with computers at home that allow access to work, and BlackBerries that allow 24/7 contact with work. I have selected the topic of technology and work life balance, as it impacts me directly in my roles of mother and career woman. The chance to further explore the challenges and opportunities presented by technology is selfish, as I hope to uncover
References: Baruch, Y. 2001. The status of research on teleworking and an agenda for future research. International Journal of Management Reviews; 3 (2): 113 – 130 Dell and Intel (December , 2011). Technology Hurts Work/Life Balance: Survey McDonald, S. (April 30, 2009). Technology: Friend or Foe for Work/Life Balance. Retrieved from http://www.antseyeview.com. MIT Sloan News and Insights for Alumni (2005). Technology and Work Life Balance. Retrieved from http://www.mitsloan.mit.edu. Starner, T. 2012. Work/Life Loses Its Balance. Retrieved from http://www.hreonline.com Technology Hurts Work/Life Balance: Survey. (December 7, 2011). Retrieved from http://www.benefitscanada.com. The Center For Work and Family, Boston college carroll School of Management Van Horen, C.E., & Storen, D. 2000. Telework: Coming of Age? Evaluation the potential benefits of telework. Paper presented at the Telework: The new workplace of the 21st Century symposium, New Orleans.