Exploring the impact of IoT on the delicate equilibrium between our professional and personal lives, we’ve gathered insights from CEOs to software developers. From navigating constant connectivity to how IoT automation can improve work-life balance, discover the six transformative ways these professionals are redefining boundaries with technology.
- Navigating Constant Connectivity
- Remote Monitoring Enhances Flexibility
- Smartwatch Filters for Presence
- Structured Time with Smart Scheduling
- IoT Devices Merge Work and Personal Time
- IoT Automation Improves Work-Life Balance
Navigating Constant Connectivity
IoT technology has blurred the lines between work and personal life by making remote monitoring and real-time updates seamlessly accessible, which is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it allows me to stay connected to the business without being tethered to a physical office; on the other, it’s harder to completely switch off and disconnect from work. The convenience of checking in on project statuses from a smart device at any moment means that work is always just a tap away. This constant connectivity challenges traditional boundaries and requires deliberate effort to maintain a healthy balance.
For example, I’ve set up my home’s IoT system to automatically adjust the lighting and temperature in my office based on my work schedule, which enhances productivity during work hours. However, this same system also sends me work-related notifications through my smart devices, even when I’m trying to unwind in the evening. This integration has made me realize the importance of configuring these systems to respect off-hours, turning off work-related alerts when I’m not on the clock. It’s a continuous process of learning how to leverage IoT for both productivity and relaxation.
Alari Aho
CEO and Founder, Toggl Inc
Remote Monitoring Enhances Flexibility
IoT technology has significantly impacted my approach to work-life balance, especially with the introduction of smart-monitoring systems for my self-storage facility, which can be monitored remotely via a smartphone app.
Now I can keep an eye on the facility’s operations and security without needing to be physically present. This technology allows me to address issues quickly and efficiently from anywhere, which means I’m less tied to the facility and can more easily manage my time between work and personal life.
For instance, if an alarm is triggered or if there’s unusual activity, I receive instant notifications and can access real-time footage from my phone. This reduces the need for frequent site visits and allows me to handle urgent matters swiftly, even when I’m at home or on vacation.
Nick Simons
Owner, Storagehub
Smartwatch Filters for Presence
One way IoT has significantly changed the way I balance work and play is through my Apple Smartwatch, but not how I thought it would happen at the onset. Before using it, I could not stop staring at my phone, checking emails even during meals with my family, and answering Slack messages while watching a movie with my kids. It reached a level where I was not fully present in any place since I was always stuck with a foot in work and one in my personal life. That was not feasible.
The most significant change came when I configured the smartwatch to allow only the most important notifications, like contacts with the most important clients, impending important deadlines, and key audiences in important meetings.
I remember an extremely fun-filled road trip with my family somewhere during the weekends where I managed to go all the way to the woods and didn’t take out my phone every other minute. The momentary epiphany I had about the ability to be fully present and engaged was astounding to me. Laughing with my children, breathing in fresh air, and feeling rejuvenated not just in body but in mind, with more presence than I knew I had before—connected with my children and myself.
The even more shocking thing was how this voluntary decision not to overextend oneself also shaped my work. Lacking endless interruptions, I was able to immerse myself in the work at hand, make smart decisions, and complete project work promptly. In other words, I was more productive, but also more inventive, and energized and returned home feeling that I had worked enough to deserve a break.
If messages are constantly distracting you, it would be worth trying devices such as smartwatches. It’s not only about silencing the noise—it’s about getting rid of the redundant notifications so you can focus your mind, either on your work or your loved ones.
Soubhik Chakrabarti
CEO, Canada Hustle
Structured Time with Smart Scheduling
The rise of IoT technology has truly transformed how I manage my time and space. For instance, with smart-scheduling apps that sync with my calendar, I can now set reminders for breaks between my Reiki sessions. This has allowed me to create a more structured day, ensuring I dedicate time to self-care and reflection, which is vital in this line of work. Last week, I used a smart-home device to automate calming music at the end of my sessions, helping me transition smoothly into my personal time.
Hajnalka Nagy
Business Owner | Reiki Healer, Cosmic Self
IoT Devices Merge Work and Personal Time
IoT devices have now integrated into our daily routines and impact how we manage our time and responsibilities. One notable example is the use of smart home systems and wearable technology.
One major impact of IoT is blurring the lines between work and personal time. Some smart devices, such as smartwatches and smartphones, can send notifications of work messages anytime, anywhere. However, they can also remind us to take personal breaks, helping us stay organized.
Devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can sync with our work calendars, remind us of meetings, and help us manage tasks at home. Though it boosts productivity, it can also let work intrude into personal time. For example, my smartwatch keeps updating me on work emails even after office hours.
Apart from that, IoT also helps us manage stress and maintain a better work-life balance. For example, wearable devices like fitness trackers monitor our stress levels and sleep patterns, reminding us when to take a break and rest. This can lead to healthier work habits and a more balanced life.
In my own experience, I have used a smart thermostat connected to my work calendar. It adjusts the temperature based on my schedule, creates a comfortable environment during work hours, and shifts to a relaxing setting after work. This simple change has helped me separate work time from personal time.
In essence, IoT technology has definitely changed how we manage work-life balance. However, we should set clear boundaries to keep a healthy balance. Using IoT wisely lets us enjoy both productivity and relaxation.
Radha Thakare
Software Developer, Wavel AI
IoT Automation Improves Work-Life Balance
Participants in various industries repeatedly monitor critical processes to ensure they are continuously operating as required. Often, these monitoring operations have to be performed at inconvenient times and places because the consequences of failed processes can be highly damaging. This has a detrimental effect on the work-life balance of those doing the monitoring, particularly in an era where anyone can be reached at any time via the phones in their pockets. IoT systems enable the automation of such monitoring and the generation of alerts. This allows participants to go about their day and only have to react if and when alerted.
As an example, our product enables several California winemakers to automate and remotely monitor various critical processes using Intelligent Assets (IA). Traditionally, these winemakers would have to regularly monitor various process parameters, such as turbidity, pH balance, chlorine levels, etc., to ensure the quality of their products.
Now, thanks to IA, the monitoring is automated. When process parameters meet or violate the conditions described in pre-defined rules, alerts are sent to relevant individuals. This improves the work-life balance of those individuals while ensuring the integrity of their processes.
I think in recent years, workers in all industries have shown a willingness to be flexible and make themselves available to solve problems at various times of the day. The automation provided by IoT ensures that this goodwill is used productively and with the least inconvenience to the workers.
Contrasting these capabilities with years prior, instead of a lot of unjustified fire drills being escalated to site managers, relevant onsite staff can quickly address issues when necessary. In the future, as AI components become more widely used in IoT, predictive and prescriptive reactions baked into those automations will allow for further autonomy of critical systems.
Akash Sharma
Support Lead, ClearBlade
