Technology has opened new doors hitherto unexplored by industries. It is essential that both the employees as well as employers use these services positively for easing the load and delivering top results.

if we were to rewind our lives by fifty years, we would realise the enormity of change that our lifestyles have undergone in this short space of time. For example, if someone was to talk to us about windows at that time, the conversation would have revolved around glass, a wooden frame and the view outside it. Just as it is not possible for us to imagine our homes without a colour TV, microwave oven or an air-conditioner, it is not possible for an office to function today without laptops, BlackBerry or internet. These facilities have truly enabled us to increase our output manifold and deliver optimum performances. In fact, companies today claim that these facilities are largely responsible for the achievement of work-life balance for their employees.

But the technology upsurge has also led to higher expectations from the employer's side. In fact, in many cases, it can be argued that these technologies are actually disrupting an employee's life out of office by enabling him/her to carry the workload home. So, has science worked in favour or in opposition of employee comfort? PV Narasimha Rao, VP, Head of Operations, Prithvi Information Solutions, explains, "The increased output by the usage of technology is often misinterpreted as increased work load. Taking work home or bringing home to work is something that cannot be avoided. While an employee is expected to take business calls beyond working hours, the vice versa needs to be acceptable by the businesses. Technological gadgets enable employees to balance work and personal time efficiently."

Observing the subject of accessibility more closely, it can be realised that it is essential that employees be available at the beck and call of customers to ensure their maximum satisfaction. But doesn't this invade their personal space? Sanjay Kamlani, Co-Founder & Co-CEO – Pangea3, counters, "One of the key components of the objective of providing a fantastic customer experience is the assurance of ‘instantaneous gratification'. This is facilitated by full time availability and real time responsiveness about receipt of a communication. So, our lawyers and engineers are expected to be available on BlackBerry and check their emails on holidays and after regular work hours. The reality is that our people see these tools as enablers that help them to take more control of their lives. Our people are happy about the benefits that such technology brings in terms of easier access to information and its ability to help them stay on top of their work without having to worry about their obligations when they are out of the office."

Interestingly, there are many companies who are working towards utilising the latest technology for providing top-notch facilities to their employees and making their life better and easier. N.P.S. Sethi, Vice President – HR & Administration at Jindal Intellicom tells us about their efforts, "We provide BlackBerry phones, laptops, IPads and high-speed internet to individual employees for their convenience. We encourage them to revert on urgent items using these facilities while they are home instead of physically travelling to work. Within office, most of our computer systems have TFT (thin-film transistors) monitors installed which ensure lesser strain on eyes."

Technology, thus, has opened new doors hitherto unexplored by industries. It is essential that both the employees as well as employers use these services positively for easing the load and delivering top results.

Palak Bhatia