Integration or separation of work and private lives? Modern communication technologies and combining work and private obligations

Abstract

The aim of the article is to address the topic of reconciling professional and non-work roles in the context of the development of modern communication technologies. A rigid division into the area of work and non-professional life becomes difficult to achieve in the conditions of constant accessibility, a society functioning 24/7. The concept of separation of work and non-professional obligations is now clashing with the approach of integrating professional and private life and the interpenetration of these spheres. Poles more and more often notice the phenomenon of work integration with the area of functioning outside it in their own lives. Efforts to keep tight boundaries between work and life at all costs can be a source of stress, a decrease in productivity and efficiency. In some cases, partial interpenetration of life roles related to work and home can result in improved functioning in these areas. One of the solutions that promote blurring the boundaries between work and personal life are modern mobile technologies. According to the literature on the subject, their use may be associated with a number of positive, but also negative consequences for combining work with life outside of it. Important in this context is boundary management and the selection of an appropriate strategy in this regard.