Is technology keeping us tethered to work?

Technology makes life easier, but also means people stay constantly connected to work. Photo / Getty Images

The growing proliferation of "smart gadgets" that keep us permanently connected is also gradually eroding the once solid barrier between work and life.

The advent of the "cloud" and platforms like Google docs, which offer the ability to access work from anywhere and any device, means having your work computer on hand is no longer an imperative.

This has led to greater expectations that staff will work from home and in some cases while on holiday.

Recruitment specialist Randstad's latest Workmonitor report found 53 per cent of Kiwis were expected to be available outside of standard working hours, though most, 62 per cent, did not mind the intrusion on their personal life.

On average, 57 per cent of workers globally were expected to stay connected outside of office hours and 56 per cent were happy to do so.

When it came to going on holiday 30 per cent of Kiwi employees were expected to be available - 38 per cent did so happily.

This was certainly the case for one digital marketing employee, Iris Teo, who felt it was the best way of ensuring she kept on top of any work issues.

"A lot of things can go down at any time and so I keep in touch just to make sure everything is running smoothly."

Her employers didn't expect her to stay permanently connected, even when on holiday, but Ms Teo said it was preferable to make sure everything was in order.

Randstad employment market analyst Steve Shepherd believed technology had put pressure on employees' work-life balance.

"Technology makes it easier for employers to offer employees the opportunity to work from external locations, such as the home, providing them with increased flexibility. However, it's important to note that this flexibility, which enables work-life blend is not a substitute for work-life balance."

Mr Shepherd said too much work and not enough down-time could have a negative effect on the workforce, lead to burnout, lost productivity and a decrease in satisfaction.

He said it was important for the work place to still allow for a work-life balance.

Recruitment and Consulting Services Association chairman John Harland said gone were the days of the traditional nine to five job.

"The modern worker is tuned in 24/7 - time is irrelevant."

However, Mr Harland agreed it was important for there to be some give and take when it came to balancing the job with the rest of life.

"It's got to be a two-way street," he said.

"That is the modern worker expectation."

Frog Recruitment director Jane Kennelly said her team of staff were all remotely wired.

"What I watch out for is that I shouldn't expect them to stay connected as they are only employed for a 40 hour week."

She made sure they knew that emails she sent at night did not need to be responded too immediately - if it was an emergency she'd call them.