Despite access to realtime communication technology resources and mobile devices, employees today struggle to balance their work and personal lives.
Some experts in human capital management (HCM) and human resource development believe that while many people strive for this balance, few actually achieve it.
This is because the stakes are higher says James McKerrell, CEO of CRS Technologies. “In the modern market this ‘balance’ refers to the need to consistently deliver superior returns to employers, but also make time for personal life.”
Technology is an enabler and can serve to enhance operations and help people manage assets, but this role is not always taken into consideration.
McKerrell says that people often see technology as their replacement and overlook the disruptive value of infrastructure. “My theory is that many people are working harder, but not smarter – so they cannot achieve the balance they need.”
The advice from CRS Technologies is for employees to use technology and not allow technology to use them. “Being ‘always available’ is a challenge we are all familiar with, but, in time, it can be managed, if not better understood,” McKerrell continues.
Achieving this balance is not only beneficial for the employee (less stress, more focus, greater productivity), it is also in the best interests of the business to do all it can to assist employees with acquiring this balance.
Progressive organisations consider this search for balance important – they use technology to align business, customer and employee expectations. “If organisations do not take into account the employee’s wellbeing they will face the loss of talent – much more expensive than alignment and proper use of technology,” McKerrell adds.