More and more companies are cottoning onto the commercial viability of smart phones and are producing increasingly sophisticated devices which enable the user to enjoy many benefits. Research in Motion (RIM)’s latest model (BlackBerry Curve 3G Smartphone) supports high speed 3G (HSDPA) networks around the world making communication and browsing easier and faster.
Communicating with clients, colleagues, friends and family has never been as easy as it is since the introduction of smart phones including BlackBerry and other handheld wireless devices. However, with the increase of handheld devices and constant access to information and to people can lead to long term consequences.
Being glued to a wireless handheld device like the BlackBerry for long periods of time can have a negative impact on work/life balance if these devices are used excessively. Why? The brain is constantly processing information and unable to switch off because there are emails to process or information to surf for on the internet.
An individual can continue to enjoy the benefits afforded by a BlackBerry and still maintain a healthy work/life balance just by making a few minor changes. As people become more connected with one another, a conscientious effort will need to be made by the individual to ensure a healthy work/life balance is maintained. Otherwise the individual risks operating in an “always on” mode and potentially having a detrimental impact on his/her personal and professional life
Is the BlackBerry the New Best Friend?
Research in Motion (RIM) is the maker of BlackBerry and since the company’s inception in 1984, companies have been competing with one another to produce in becoming the leader of wireless handheld devices. RIM launched the BlackBerry smart phone in 1994.
For many people, devices offering wireless services and internet services are a boon because it affords then greater flexibility and opportunity to multi task. An individual can also surf the internet whilst being on the move. Furthermore, s/he may be able to respond to a client immediately as opposed to waiting to return to the office to return calls or emails.
BlackBerry and other wireless hand held devices may have a positive impact on employee productivity, but these handheld wireless devices can also have a negative impact on work/life balance if used excessively. The BlackBerry makers Research in Motion (RIM) concluded that team efficiency increased by 38%. The following list highlights some of the advantages of having a BlackBerry:
Advantages of Having a BlackBerry
- Increases productivity
- Increases efficiency
- Greater flexibility
- Communication with clients and colleagues can take place very quickly increasing response times
- Reduces respond time rates as information is readily accessible and decisions can be made faster
- Turning unproductive down time into productive time, i.e. downloading files whilst on the go
However, there are some disadvantages of excessive usage of BlackBerry and some are highlighted below:
- Unable to relax
- The BlackBerry can promote a 24/7 or “always on” culture which means that clients and colleagues can contact an individual on weekends and late evenings, including holiday time
- Constant state of urgency and the individual feels they have to respond for fear of “missing out”
- Feeling and thinking of missing any vital information if away from BlackBerry for too long
- Unable to switch off and make “me” time
- Impacts personal and professional relationships
- Extending the working day when emails and information can be accessed, whilst being on the move
- Increased stress because there may be a need to respond quickly to clients and colleagues
Practical Tips in Achieving a Better Work/Life Balance
Here are some tips to get a healthy BlackBerry work/life balance:
- Don’t respond to work emails just before going to sleep, especially over the weekend. Responding to emails before going to sleep can impact the quality of the individual’s sleep.
- Learn to switch the BlackBerry off on a regular basis and the individual will learn to adjust to the working routine.
- Avoid the temptation to respond to emails and requests immediately unless in a real emergency. Being tempted to respond on a kne- jerk basis will impact the quality of work/life balance.
- Get familiar with the switch off button and learn to switch off the BlackBerry at regular intervals such as at the end of the working day and weekends unless dealing with cross global clients, teams and transactions.
- Take long walks, go to the gym or engage in yoga or meditation and leave the BlackBerry at home or the office.
There is no questioning the flexibility and ease offered by BlackBerry and other Smartphone and handheld wireless devices, however, an individual needs to ensure these devices do not have a negative impact on work/life balance. By making a few minor adjustments, an individual can enjoy the many services offered by his/her BlackBerry and still maintain his/her sanity.
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