Work is what you do not where you go

 

With advances in mobile technologies many staff have the ability to remain 'connected' wherever they are. With increased connectivity and computing power available away from the office it is no longer necessary for some workers to travel to the office to be able to work.

The concept of flexible working is attractive to many and most companies are keen to attract the kind of staff that would find this appealing. It does however present challenges for many businesses who continue to observe the older practises of presenteeism. Many companies still consider that if someone is not at their desks during the day then they must not be working.

 

Further challenges are faced by businesses who allow staff to work at differing times during the day since for generations all business functions have occurred during the working day. With Companies that deal with staff or customers around the world whilst having found it easier to extend their global reach, have needed to find ways to be available to their overseas counterparts outside of usual working hours and to allow for this, Business has had to become increasingly adaptable.

 

With the increasing pressures of a reduced workforce, some staff are facing the difficulties of needing to be available for work away from normal working hours and although some companies are happy to cater for this, others are failing to give these staff the appropriate support and flexibility to allow them to work effectively in this way.

With an increase in an 'Always on' society the line between work and personal life is becoming increasingly blurred. For many this has meant that they must blend their professional lives into their personal life but for many this means that in addition to always being 'at work' during the day, they are increasingly required to be 'at work' late into the evening. This too, for many is a one way expectation where employers expect you to work extended hours but would frown upon an employee that wishes to take time out during the working day.

For some this creates problems in their lives since they are not allowing themselves the appropriate time to rest and relax away from the pressures of work. This also creates a sense of confusion as to when someone should be available and when someone should not be available at any hour of the day. This cultural shift is yet to be properly understood and will inevitably leave many companies unable to cater for an increasingly demanding world.

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