The impacts of being available 24/7

We are living in an era of change. Phones have become essential for our generation, to check quick an email, doesn’t matter to which time, or even to watch the newest posts on Instagram, Twitter e.g. It seems like that it is crucial in our society to be up to date. I would say the growing technologies are generally a good thing that happens to us, but there aren’t only positive impacts of this development.

Thanks to ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) and Ray Tomlinson we are able to use email as a medium to communicate with each other. Without this brilliant invention, we wouldn’t be as technically advanced as we are today. Not only does email save enormous costs for companies as a way of communication. In addition, emails are an efficient way of communicating with customers and therefore timesaving.

BUT

From an employee’s point of view to be available on-demand or to receive and write e-mails around the clock may not necessarily be health-promoting. The Mental Health Foundation reported that a staggering 74% of UK adults (out of 4619 adults who were 18+ aged) had clearly noticed the effects of stress and were overwhelmed by it.

Following are a few examples of what is in favour of constant availability and what speaks against it

Nevertheless, by comparing the positive and negative aspects, In my opinion, the constant accessibility resulted from new technologies has more positive than negative sides. In particular, the opportunity to write and receive emails, text messages e.g. from anywhere in the world.

Which professions are dependent on online communication

Clearly, a field in which online communication is an integral part of the whole business is customer service. This has the advantage for the organisation that they can reduce their expenses, for example by saving on rental costs for customer centres. In addition, the customer service industry has a bright future, through the growing technologies.

Digital marketing is another profession which is depending on online communication. According to Clutch 2019, then the most important channel for digital marketing is social media with 81%, the following are websites with 78% and emails with 69%.

“Those three avenues are so common for businesses to use because you can highlight what your company is all about.” (Jeremy Greenberg, founder of 97 switch)

One more creative profession in which online availability is crucial are bloggers. As a blogger, you provide your content online for your ‘customers’. Similar to digital marketing, a blogger advertises himself and his content or knowledge online.

Of course, there are other professions where digital communication is essential, but I wanted to give you a first impression.

Is there a right work-life balance

Work-life balance is about finding the right balance between work and private life. I think, there is no right balance because everyone deals differently with it. Also, it is not always simple to find the right work-life balance. For example, for me as a full-time student with a part-time job I struggled at the beginning to find the right work-life balance. At my work, I’m surrounded all day long, by emails and calls. Even when it was already time to sleep, I took my laptop with me in the bed and so it was impossible for me to switch off. Nevertheless, it is really important to plan your time well. In addition to your time management, be aware of the separation between working hours and leisure time. Set realistic goals for your daily schedule. According to the Harvard Business Review then a good work-life balance starts with the manager.

5 personal tips to switch off

1. Have a hobby! Think of something that is enjoyable for you and also allows you to relax.

2. Lights! If you really can’t go to bed without your laptop, then turn on the night vision (this will turn the screen from blue to yellow lights), because the white lights can interfere with your sleep and even lead to disease.

3. Take a day to be offline! When you have the feeling, it is getting too much for you, then choose one day per week where you spend time with your friends and family.

4. Priorities! When you are coming home after work, then try not to think about work and set some clear priorities.

5. Sleep! I think this is my most important and most valuable tip. Sleep at least 7 hours a night and you will notice that you work much more productive than with less sleep.