Work-life balance elusive, no thanks to technology

Nearly half of surveyed employees in Singapore say their employers expect them to be available 24/7.

According to the Randstad Workmonitor Report for Q1 2012, the majority of employees in Singapore struggle to achieve a work-life balance because of technology.

Randstad Regional Director, Singapore & Malaysia, Ms Karin Clarke noted, “The increasing popularity of smartphones means more and more people are connected to the internet on the go. This accessibility has a knock-on effect where workers feel obliged to answer emails and calls outside of work hours.”

Clarke said business leaders should be clear in their expectations for how ‘switched on’ they expect their staff to be. “For example, for people in a client-facing role there may be a need to respond instantly around the clock but for others, replying on Monday morning is soon enough,” she explained.

“At the same time, employees should set their own boundaries and ensure they spend uninterrupted time with friends and family and allow themselves the chance to relax,” added Clarke.

Randstad reported:

A survey of 405 employees in Singapore found that around seven in ten (71%) receive calls or emails outside regular office hours, and 67% when they are on annual leave. Nearly half (45%), say their employers expect them to be available 24/7, with the figure rising for people aged 45-54 (50%) and for people aged 25-34 (49%).

Sixty percent of workers also say they feel they fall short of their own expectation if they don’t respond to an email or phone call immediately.

The survey also found that:
• 63% of respondents are bothered by people who answer their phone or respond to emails during a meeting, yet 33% admit to doing so
• 56% of respondents prefer face-to-face contact rather than phone or email
• 56% of respondents receive more information on a daily basis than they can process