The current technical world has got us hooked onto our smartphones and gadgets. We prefer to stay connected with people via these electronic gadgets even when we get off work. Rather than engaging in real-life conversations, text boxes and emojis are the go-to way for everyone in the modern world. This is what researchers refer to as the ‘always on’ culture.

However, studies have shown that people who were always engaged in this ‘always on’ culture experienced more stress levels. If they were capable of exchanging work conversation by emails or chats other than their laptop, got more stressors. Myers-Briggs Company, that specialises in business psychology said that being connected always can pose some serious side effects to the individual’s well-being.

“This suggests that organizations stand to benefit from exploring how to help individuals find the ‘sweet spot’ between using technology to increase engagement and flexibility, and not letting technology take over to a point where it causes negative effects,” says a study by co-author John Hackston, head of thought leadership at The Myers-Briggs Company.

Personality plays a major role in determining the ‘always-on’ culture related to their work as well. People truthfully answered queries in a survey by Myers-Briggs and found out that those who were engaged in their gadgets more than necessary, found themselves to be more stressed. When they were unable to get off their phones or switch off from the culture, they experienced more stress and problems in personal life as well. There were truly more disadvantages to the always-on culture than the advantages. Why personality matters in this aspect Those who were more practical and flexible in their approach could balance their life properly. Setting aside their work and giving time to themselves and their family surrey gave them more stress but they got the better hand of the ‘always-on’ work culture. But those, who were flexible yet preferred to only work for their office and career-space, got the worse side of this entire concept.
If you’re looking to manage your life, then strategies like turning off your work phones and notifications, fixing a set time for your personal life and letting your colleagues know that you will not be available after a set time - can work. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a greater threat to the work-life balance. Maintaining the ‘always-on’ work culture equilibrium can be exhausting. People find it difficult to switch-off and thus look for ways to be more flexible in how and when they work. Even the remote working culture has induced several workers to work more than they used to. The general 95 work hours are not definite anymore and employees are asked to contribute their part at any time of the day, depending on the emergency state.

Studies report that people want a mix of remote and office work culture because somehow that keeps them balanced. If they don’t feel well, they can opt for a work-from-home duty than other times where they have to work in their office workspace.

However, there’s one thing that remote working lacks. Unity in the workspace.

Workers may feel devoid of working remotely than with their colleagues in the office. There is a sense of trust, support and guidance in the workplace that employees prefer to have rather than elongated work-from-home duties.

To tackle this situation, ‘virtual offices’ or real-time virtual management systems allow people to connect according to their own convenience and schedules. Messaging apps, video calls, app schedulers have kept people happier in times of stress like these.

However, it’s still up to people to distinguish between ‘always-on’ work culture and ‘switch it off’ so that they can lead a healthy life.

Source: indiatimes.com