The Mobile Workforce

The changing face of the global workforce reveals a startling trend. According to a recent press release by the *International Data Corporation the word's mobile worker population will grow to almost I.2 billion in 2010, particularly in the Asia/Pacific region. These mobile workers are working at home, away from the office and in the office. The mobility of the workforce is made possible by integrating and simplifying all forms of communications to optimize business process and reduce the response time. One example is the sending a message in one medium and receiving it on another i.e. voice to text.

How does this trend impact work life balance? For the individual mobile worker the speed and amount of work is likely to intensify, plus work output is likely to increase allowing for work on the move, at home and 24/7. This flexibility over the place and hours inform feelings of greater control and autonomy.

Nonetheless, social mobility can lead to feeling isolated from the team and without establishing firm personal internal boundaries work can easily spill over into precious home and family time resulting in overload and burnout.

Here are a few tips from WorkLife Essentials for mobile workers:

• Think about what is important to you, what you would like time for in your different life roles.
  


• Set goals. Look at the most important priorities on your list and move you toward a more balanced focus on important life choices.
  


• Make change happen. Figure out the steps you need to reach your life balance goals -- such as enrolling in an evening course, scheduling regular walks with a friend, or finding a reliable babysitter.
  


• Plan and organize. Make "to do" lists and keep a calendar that combines work, family, and personal priorities to be sure you do not focus too heavily on one at the expense of the others.
  


• Recognize and deal with stress. Notice the signs of stress, muscle tension, irritability, or headaches. Exercise regularly, eat healthy meals, talk through problems with trusted friends, and practice deep breathing, meditation, or other methods of directly reducing stress.
  


• Home based work. Remember for most employers working from home is not usually considered a substitute for childcare. Create a workspace where you won't be distracted by the sounds of family traffic, television, or a baby crying. Look for a place with good lighting and ventilation. Things will go more smoothly if you help your children understand a few simple rules, to respect your time if you are working at home, if you are on the phone or when your office door is shut they must wait to speak with you, but an open door means that they may enter.
  

* Press Release Date: 18 Feb 2010 the IDC study, Worldwide Mobile Worker Population 2009-2013 Forecast (Doc #221309) provides a worldwide five-year mobile worker population forecast through 2013.