The 9-5 workday is quickly becoming a thing of the past. With technology making it possible for us to be connected to our jobs 24/7, employees are now working around the clock. This new norm is having a major impact on our lives, both professionally and personally. In this blog post, we will discuss the implications of this trend and what it means for the future of work. We will also explore how this shift is affecting our personal relationships and our overall quality of life.
The 24/7 Workday is Not a New Concept
It has been around for years, but it was always considered to be the exception rather than the rule. With the advent of technology, however, this is no longer the case. Employees are now expected to be available at all hours of the day and night, thanks to smartphones and laptops that make it possible to work from anywhere.
Increase in Work Time
This constant connectivity has led to a major increase in the amount of time we spend working. According to a recent study by the American Time Use Survey, full-time workers in the United States now spend an average of 49 hours per week working, up from just over 40 hours. That extra nine hours adds up to an additional work week every month! This trend is not limited to the United States. A study of workers in eight European countries found that the average full-time worker now spends more than 40 hours per week working. This is a significant increase from just a few years ago when the average was closer to 37 hours.
The Trend is Here to Stay
So what does this mean for our personal lives? Let’s take a look at some of the implications of this new normal. First, it’s important to understand that this trend is here to stay. With technology becoming more and more ubiquitous, there’s no going back to the days when we could leave work at the office and disconnect from our jobs after hours. We now have to find ways to manage our time and energy in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Major Impact on Personal Relationships
Second, this trend is having a major impact on our personal relationships. With employees working longer hours, there’s less time for family and friends. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as well as increased stress levels.
Health Problems
Third, the constant connectivity can also be detrimental to our health. Studies have shown that excessive screen time can lead to a number of problems, including sleep disorders, headaches, and eye strain. It’s important to find ways to disconnect from work and recharge your batteries. Otherwise, you run the risk of burning out both physically and mentally.
Set Boundaries
So how do we deal with this new reality? Let’s take a look at some strategies that can help us manage our time and energy. First, it’s important to set boundaries between work and life. This can be difficult to do when you’re constantly connected to your job, but it’s necessary in order to maintain a healthy balance. Let your family and friends know that you’re unavailable during certain hours so that they don’t expect you to be always on call.
Schedule Breaks
Second, make sure to schedule breaks throughout the day. If you are working on a flexible schedule, you can even take a break and go to one of the pizza places open late. Even if you can’t step away from your desk for long periods of time, taking a few minutes here and there to walk around or take a mental break can make a world of difference.
Find Ways to Disconnect
Third, try to disconnect from work after hours. This may mean setting an alarm on your phone so that you’re not tempted to check work email after hours or using a tool like Freedom to block distracting websites.
Call in Reinforcements
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling to manage your time, talk to your boss or a trusted colleague. They may be able to offer some helpful suggestions or give you the flexibility you need to find a better balance.
The 24/7 workday is here to stay, so it’s important to find ways to manage our time and energy. By setting boundaries, taking breaks, and disconnecting from work after hours, we can maintain a healthy work-life balance. And if we’re struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help. With a little effort, we can all find ways to thrive in this new normal.
*Collaborative Post