Human Resource Management 15th Edition by Robert Mathis,John Jackson,Sean Valentine ,Patricia Meglich

Exercise 2

Convention and Visitors Bureau Keeps Flexwork in Perspective
The use of smart technology, computers, and the Internet in the workplace have enabled employees to stay better connected with their managers and colleagues, something that has provided them with more opportunities to get their work done. On the flipside, however, there is concern that this newfound flexibility may actually hurt employees when they are expected to always be "on the clock." In other words, a 24/7 mind-set can be perpetuated at work that negatively impacts employees' work-life balance. A recent study of business leaders and other professionals indeed found that individuals used their smartphones for work over 13 hours a day on weekdays, as well as around 5 hours during weekends (total weekly use was 72 hours). Participants in the survey claimed that management and communication problems were to blame for their extensive use of technology. This highlights the fact that managers must create reasonable expectations about technology use, and proper policies must be developed so that employees don't feel the need to stay constantly connected to the workplace.
Many organizations are trying to address these challenges in ways that are beneficial for all parties. The ideal situation is to use technology in a way that enhances productivity without having it intrude too much on employees' personal lives. The Durham, North Carolina, Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has developed policies that keep flexible work in perspective so that a better balance between work and the home is achieved. The organization was recently given the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Excellence in Workplace Effectiveness and Flexibility for its efforts. E'Vonne Coleman-Cook, the Durham CVB's chief operating officer, provides the following recommendations that should assist companies as they develop such policies:
• Organizations need to set policies and values, and then back them up by living by the company's words.
• Managers' interactions with employees should be monitored to ensure reasonable standards are being enforced.
• The goals and expectations for each employee need to be identified so that the "rules of the game" are understood by all individuals.
Keep in mind the practices used by the Durham CVB as you consider the following questions:
How do you recommend organizations use technology so that work-life balance is not adversely impacted?