Justin G. Roy

Recently, I made a visit to Massachusetts to visit my friends and family; it had certainly been a while since I had been back to the area.  When I was sitting in my parent’s kitchen, catching up, I heard the all-too-familiar beep on my blackberry.  A new email!

Somebody once told me their opinion of technology, more specifically the importance and convenience of cellular telephones, blackberry, etc.  They encourage work-life balance!?

I, too, was confused by this statement; however, a few years ago, I would have probably agreed.  After refusing to switch my simple cell phone for years, I was finally “convinced” to try a blackberry.  Like every new technology-toy, it was love at first site and I was hooked.  Honeymoon period lasted about 24 months.

Luckily, with Verizon “new Every Two, I was up for a change.  I walked out with the same phone, newer model.  Why?  The convenience it offers, and the ability to answer emails, keep up to date on projects, and react in a timely fashion to emergencies (business-related) when I was out of the office.  No, I am not just talking about traveling or commuting between meetings, but when you are at a baseball game, grocery shopping, before bed, during breakfast, on vacation, sick in bed.  I know I am not the only guilty party here. 

What cost does this convenience have on work-life balance, family and friends, or down time?

Here are some tips and strategies I have implemented:

1.  Set times in the evening to check your email and blackberry.  Going cold turkey is hard enough, and sometimes it’s necessary to check. 

2.  Turn the phone off, or leave it in a different room when sitting down with friends or family.  Whether at the dinner table, sports (professional or children’s) games and practices, or any time you intend to spend one-on-one time with somebody special.  Get your family involved and lay out consequences if you break the rules.  A quarter or dollar jar goes a long way; when the jar is full, shut your phone off and take everybody out for ice cream. 

3.  Set up an out of office in the evening that let’s people know you are not checking messages after a certain period of time. 

4.  Set your voice-mail to a different message when you are “finished” or “off-line” for the day, letting the caller know you will return the call tomorrow.

5.  Rotate “on call” responsibilities within your office.  If emergencies do occur, your voice-mail and email should direct the other side to the correct individual to contact who can make decisions and expedite appropriately.

Yes, this technology has helped many become more efficient when not in front of a computer; the ability to respond and react while out of the office has been a benefit for many.  But has efficiency leaked into our personal life?  Has it changed our lifestyle into living to work?  I certainly hope not.

How do you handle the availability of instant communication versus work-life balance?