Mobile Working Experiences
The realities of remote working
Friday 18 January 2008, 12:05 PM
Mobile email backlash?
Speaking to other users of mobile email devices that have been provided by their employer, I have come across more than a few cases of users who have decided to disable the mobile email functionality or even return the device to their boss. Generally these are not users who were clamouring for email on the move, rather they are users who were 'offered' a new company-supplied phone with email by their boss - claiming it would allow them to manage email more effectively. Subsequently they have found that rather than put them in control, they start to feel compelled to respond to emails more rapidly and at any time of day and night...
The sense seems to be that as more and more employees in companies start using mobile email it exponentially increases the volume of emails in circulation - and particularly outside office hours. HR depts and managers may broadly advocate a responsible approach to email use but all it takes is one or two users to start an email conversation (cc:ing others in..) and suddenly important work dialogue starts to take place outside working hours. There can be a sense that someone is 'missing out' if they do not get involved... It is certainly 'easier' and 'less intrusive' to send round an email at 10pm at night rather than call individuals - but should it be acceptable?
When Blackberries first appeared - the first wave of users seemed to be the senior managers who had a genuine need and who showed workaholic tendancies anyway. Now there are 12m blackberries (not including WM devices) in circulation worldwide and the % of employees using them is starting to creep up from perhaps, 5%, to 10%, 15% and further, what does that mean for business communications? More companies are also trying to manage the proliferation of SIMs by switching to offering staff a single device for voice and email rather than give the option of a phone and email device.
Personally, I am happy to use mobile email, I feel more reassured to know that I am not missing out on an important communication but I can see why some people could become obsessed by that little flashing light in the top corner of their BB.
Has anyone else noticed any kind of backlash to mobile email?
Any other views on whether a more responsible corporate attitude is required? or should users just apply common sense to how they make use of these devices?
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