Technology Helps Business Owners Mix Business, Pleasure

The 5th Annual National Staples Small Business Survey reveals that 60% of small business owners admit to spending more time holding their mobile devices than the hand of their significant others.

But that might not necessarily be a bad thing. While this new “phonemance” phenomenon would seemingly have the potential to overtake family time, the increasing popularity of the virtual office actually illustrates how technology is enabling small business owners to achieve both increased productivity and a better work-life balance.

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

43% of small business owners report working during hours spent with family.

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

Other survey findings suggest that technology and “phonemancing” are actually enabling small business owners to achieve a better work-life balance:

56% of respondents are taking advantage of the virtual office, spending less time working at their desks with the help of technology.

52% (compared with 35% last year) feel more comfortable taking a vacation because they can stay plugged-in.

40% of significant others don’t seem to mind the new phonemancing behavior and support the small business owner’s need to work more to help make ends meet: even if that creeps into relationship time.

The survey polled a random sample of 300 business owners and executives at companies with no more than 20 employees. For complete results, email Jackie Guzman at jguzman@tilsonpr.com.