Technology Helping Small Business Owners Find Balance

More than half (60%) of small business owners admit to spending more time holding their mobile devices than the hand of their significant other, according to a new survey from Staples.

The results found that the unpredictable economy, continued downsizing and increased responsibilities have pressured U.S. small business owners to mix business with pleasure.

*43 percent of small business owners reveal working during hours spent with family

*68 percent who own a mobile device rely on just one for both personal and business use making it difficult to “switch off” during family time 

However, this increased dependency on technology also comes with benefits as it allows small business owners the ability to bring their office anywhere, from home to the Little League field. The virtual office now allows them to stay plugged in providing many small business owners the flexibility they haven’t achieved in the past.

“Technology and mobile devices, in particular, can actually be good for family relationships, allowing Mom or Dad to stay plugged in with work while simultaneously attending events – ball games, school events – that were historically only possible for the non-working parent to attend,” said Dr. Seth Meyers, a licensed clinical psychologist, relationship expert and author.

“Though the small business owner’s attention may be divided in such contexts, it allows for greater balance than life before such technology allowed.”

Other survey findings indicate that technology is actually enabling small businesses owners to achieve a better balance:

*56 percent of owners and managers are taking advantage of the “virtual office” spending less time working at their desk with the help of technology

*52 percent now feel more comfortable taking a vacation because they can stay plugged-in versus just 35 percent last year

“This survey reflects the constant challenge for small business owners to adapt to the nonstop demands of the job and the technology that make it easy to always stay connected,” said John Giusti, vice president of small business marketing at Staples.