BlackBerry After Hours: Flexibility or Overwork?

It happened behind closed doors, but I suspect the juicy details of the settlement between writers and producers regarding BlackBerry use after-hours at ABC News, is the stuff of much gossip and concern in an industry where the “news” never sleeps. It should also be the concern of companies in just about any sector as we are living in a time of instant information and instant gratification.

BlackBerrys afford instant access, which can put a deal to bed successfully before competitors, get the last work in on a project, and be a great tool for flexible working conditions as workers can share vital information while traveling between meetings. It can also be another thorn in anyones worklife balance profile. The perception that workers are accessible after-hours or 24/7, will inevitably bring employees to a new burnout threshold while putting pressure on employers to review their labor policies.

Here are the challenges:

1. What is permissible use of the gadgets? “Hmmm – I’ll answer my BB till PM?”
2. Where do you draw the line in defining what constitutes after-hours work? A simple reply or “Gee – let me read that report and then get back to you.”
3. Is it ok to answer emails with a few words without having to punch in to the company time clock? “If I my answer requires another call or research, I want overtime.”
4. What information is ok to share after-hours, and will it alter the business dynamic of a company? “Hey – I can get that embargoed report before anyone and be blogging by AM the next morning.”
5. Even if a company creates guidelines – who will enforce them? “BBB – BlackBerry Bean counters”
6. If an employee complains and refuses to be available – will they be frowned upon as not being a loyal employee? “When Friday night comes, Karen’s BB interaction is nonexistent, maybe she doesn’t want a promotion?’

Bottom line is that the BlackBerry phenomenon and its implications are just in their infancy. It behooves companies to get a head start on guidelines for usage, before a labor dispute does it for them.

Check out other BlackBerry posts:

BlackBerry Overload

For Whom the BlackBerry Tolls

Battling Sensory Overload on a Bus