Mobile Working Unhealthy

A recent survey revealed that 63 percent of mobile workers spend at least six hours every weekend doing online work. Moreover, nearly one-third of these workers are online up to 20 hours over the weekend days.

As the weekend hours are designed to give employees a break from the hustle and bustle of work, these findings pose a serious problems for mobile employees and employers alike.

The survey used a pool of 1,678 mobile workers (those who use laptops, smartphones, and tablets for work) from 1,100 businesses all over the globe. The survey ran from the end of September to mid-November and was conducted by iPass, a commercial Wi-Fi network provider.

From these results, iPass makes the claim that this weekend work online “could have health consequences, particularly if these mobile employees are sitting while they’re online.” These ideas are explored in greater depth throughout their 22-page summary of findings.

IPass links their results to a group of Australian researchers who found that extended periods of sitting may be a serious health risk. It has also been recommended by doctors that those who sit for entire workdays ought to “make an extra effort to be active during their leisure time,” according to the iPass summary.

Interestingly, the study also discovered that even during their downtime, most mobile workers do not pass the four hour mark before using some device, even a smartphone, to check work tasks online.

In addition, the study uncovered that mobile workers view certain workplace necessities, like the abundance of emails, as a major distraction. In their summary, iPass suggested that IT businesses look for ways to set limitations on these online distractions. They cite examples from other companies who have implemented email- and meeting-free days in the workplace.

By conducting this study quarterly, iPass discovered that survey respondents, using their individual smartphone for work purposes, has increased from 42 percent in the fall of 2011 to 46 percent a year later. During this same time period, iPass reported that the percentage of phones provided to employees by their employers has decreased from 58 percent to 33 percent.

According to the survey respondents, the cost of creating a network connection was considered the least important aspect of deciding on a network. This could lead to a “bill shock” for companies that do not yet have cost-control policies in place for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).

IPass CEO Evan Kaplan claims that this quick increase in BYOD practices has two sides. While it heightens worker productivity, it also makes corporate costs higher, he says.

Kaplan explains that employees “are willing to connect with little regard for cost” and “this lack of cost sensitivity has the potential to dramatically impact corporate budgets.”

As a result, iPass suggested that IT shops should seek cost-effective connections to suit the roaming preferences of their employees.

The survey also found an increase in the Apple’s iPhone popularity among workers. Not only does it continue to be the most widespread smartphone in the workplace, but it is now used by 53 percent of mobile workers, eight percent higher than in 2011. The Android phone has also increased among mobile workers from 21 percent to 34 percent.

BlackBerry smartphones in the workplace, however, have decreased to 26 percent from last year’s 32 percent. The survey also reported that Microsoft Phone devices were used by only five percent of the mobile workforce.

Regarding the tablet market, 59 percent of mobile workers agreed that they will be relying on their tablets more in the next year. The majority of respondents also agreed that the iPad would stay the most popular tablet choice with 54 percent. (RP) Link