The use of mobile communication technology after hours and its effects on work life balance and organizational efficiency

Advances in mobile communication technologies have made it easier for individuals to connect to the workplace during non-work time. The attraction of mobile devices by employers is they enhance productivity, reduce response time and costs, and enhance customer service, while at the same time an individual's constant connectivity to the workplace can cause conflict between the work and home domains. This research study focused on the individual's connectivity behavior after hours while using mobile technologies and the effect it had on work-life balance and organizational efficiency. The research study used a quantitative research methodology to survey Information Technology Professionals. The survey was sent to 877 potential participants, of which 329 responded. The focus of the research was to learn how the use of mobile technology after hours related to employee satisfaction, work-life balance, absenteeism, burnout, and the inability to detach from work. Results indicated a significant relationship between the use of mobile technology after hours and absenteeism, burnout, and the inability to detach from work, while indicating no significant relationship with work-life balance and employee satisfaction. Because mobile technologies are influencing the way we remain connected to the workplace during non-work time, it is important to understand how this technology affect work-life balance and organizational efficiency. The implication for both employer and employees is discussed with emphasis on strategies for maintaining work-life balance and employee satisfaction.