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Business travellers' connections to home: ICT s supporting work‐life balance
Author(s) -
Ladkin Adele,
Willis Cheryl,
Jain Juliet,
Clayton William,
Marouda Marina
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
new technology, work and employment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.889
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1468-005X
pISSN - 0268-1072
DOI - 10.1111/ntwe.12071
Subject(s) - work (physics) , information and communications technology , balance (ability) , work–life balance , qualitative research , value (mathematics) , business , public relations , marketing , knowledge management , sociology , computer science , engineering , psychology , political science , world wide web , mechanical engineering , social science , neuroscience , machine learning
This paper examines the role of information communication technology in enabling connections to home for work‐related travellers. Although digital connectivity for work‐related tasks are well researched, the use of digital technology for home communication is under‐researched. The study draws on a qualitative study of UK ‐based organisations and business travellers to explore how these travellers use ICT s for personal use while ‘on the move’. The findings reveal that organisations are supportive of work‐life balance for employees, but fail to consider specific needs of those whose work takes them away from home. For business travellers, insights are gained into practices around connecting to home and the value of this virtual presence for relationships with family while absent and work‐life balance. The study identifies and discusses practice occurring around three activities; checking in, maintaining relationships with home and sharing experiences.