'Always On' Execs Are Happier, More Productive
Always being on call apparently gives high level executives more control of their lives and is actually good for them. So says research by advertising agency and self-described global ideas shop, Gyro, and business publisher, Forbes. "A welcome and constant stream of information" allegedly leaves 84 percent of the 543 decision making participants "feeling better prepared and empowered to make highly-commercial business decisions" with only 15 percent saying they "struggle to separate work from valuable personal/family time."
Many find they are "blending work and personal time effectively to make better business decisions, free from the shackles of the ticking clock," according to Gyro's chief executive and creative officer, Christoph Becker. "Nine-to-five thinking is a thing of the past, and this must be reflected in how brands advertise with their customers and clients."
Forbes Insight's website says surveys and interviews with high level executives "focused on business operations and strategy." Forty seven percent worked for companies with revenues of more than $1 billion. Respondents came from the U.S. (316), U.K. (105) and Continental Europe (122).
Gyro and Forbes Insights conclude that "boundaries of time and space that once defined the workplace no longer exist" and that, free from the constraints of a nine to five schedule, bosses value the freedom of flexibility that "always on" allows.
Real Business magazine reported the study by announcing that this "always on" approach has a positive effect on both work and personal lives, stressing that only 15 percent say they struggle to separate work from valuable personal or family time. It goes on to suggest the remainder "feel in control to be able to enjoy their free time."
The companies say their report was designed to "explore the new @Work world and start a conversation about devising the most effective messaging" by "understanding motivations, emotional attitudes and levels of satisfaction with round-the-clock, all-device messaging."