Question

Electronic Communication during Nonworking Hours Increases in electronic communication technologies such as smartphones, tables, laptops, and wireless Internet have made it easier than ever for organizations to communicate with their employees outside of working hours. But what are the effects of these after-hour communications on employee well-being? In a recent study, researcher Marcus M. Butts of the University of Texas at Arlington, William J. Becker of Texas Christian University, and Wendy R. Boswell of Texas A&M University explored this question. They found that the emotional reaction and amount of work-nonwork role conflict experienced by employees receiving after hours communications depended on the affective content and time demands of the messages. Messages with a positive affective tone involving encouragement, support, and recognition and that demanded less communication time resulted in more employee happiness and ultimately less work-nonwork conflict. In contrast, messages with a negative affective tone involving uncivil. degrading, or hostile content and those that demanded more communication time resulted in greater employee anger and more work-nonwork conflict. These findings suggest that communications sent outside of regular working hours should focus on positive feedback and accomplishments and not focus on problems, criticisms, and deficiencies. Organizations may be well advised to provide employees with training and guidelines on the appropriate use of electronic communication outside normal working hours. 1. Would it be advisable for organizations to implement policies prohibiting electronic communication after normal working hours? Why or why not? Support your answer. 2. Specifically, what types of messages would be best delivered electronically outside of working hours? Provide some examples of effective after-hour communications

Answer 1

Answer. Yes, I think it should be banned. Communication after non working hours affects the life of the employee. Work-life balance is a major concern these days and people are always running errands. This greatly affect their well-being and quality of life. Employees should be called in non working hours only during emergencies or to provide positive feedback. In non working hours they are with their families and loved ones . Work should be done at the workplace and not during non working hours. It can have great impact on employees happiness, well-being , quality of life, overall wellness, Job satisfaction etc.

Answer. If communication is done after non working hours it should be made sure that it is positive and not negative. Feedback can be given to the employees and they should be praised for their good work. Emergency situations can also be taken into consideration while talking about communication during non working hours. Positive feedback and appraisal should be the focus . For example, an employee can be called by the manager to praise for the good work he has done today.