I was in my local supermarket yesterday and heard the following conversation between a 5 year old and his mum:

5 years old: Mum, do we have that DVD?

Mum: No, we do not

5 years old: Don’t worry, we can get it on the web

Five years old!

The generation has already been born which regards not just laptops and mobile phones as the norm, but web-cams and wireless, as well.

How far have we come?

What a long way we have come in just a decade of mobile working. In the 1970’s we had big mainframes and dumb terminals. In the 80’s PC’s become cheap enough for all. In the 90’s, there were 10,000 Internet service providers and the web browser allowed ‘anytime, anyplace, and anywhere’ connectivity. Since then three developments have dominated the changes:

1. Speed.
   Today, 10 gigabits per second data rates are the norm, enough for video. 10 years ago data rates could just about handle e-mail
2. Wireless.
   It is now cheaper than a cup of coffee.
3. Mobile
   phones. There are more mobile phones than people in some countries.

Photo courtesy of chiacomo

So what technology do you use for mobile working?

Mobile phone, wireless laptop, blackberry? In most Corporates today, these devices are issued to staff as standard. So does all this technology make for a better work/life balance or for better business?

I believe it is both.

At first, Corporates made more demands on their staff. As staff, we could now deal with emails in the  evenings and always be available at the end of the phone. Some Corporates abused this situation.

Now, Corporates are realizing that individuals will use the technology to suit their needs. Technology makes working much more flexible. Therefore, if someone needs to be at home for certain periods of the week, they can be, with the technology available. However, individuals who do work from home can miss the banter and face-to-face interaction with work colleagues.

I believe overall flexible working is better working. However, some leaders still do not trust their staff to work wherever or whenever. As a manager, you have to trust your staff and you know when someone is abusing the privileges of flexible working.

So the future?

I think the distinction between working at the office, at home or on the road will disappear. Each will be thought of as normal. But it will take a mindset change for managers to trust their staff more than they do today. Having trust in your staff builds rapport and increase productivity. In the future you just might not see them everyday!

Working as web developer, I can only agree with this new trend, as the online-everywhere capabilities allows me to stay in touch with clients and collaborators, no matter where I am. I can work from a bus, a coffee shop and why not, my office. The boundaries between office, the road and any other “traditional” work models are coming down and companies that embrace this trend will be more efficient and responsive than those who don’t.