Australians are more reliant on their mobiles than ever before, with 88 percent of people working outside of their regular hours through their device according to a recent survey.
Around 41 percent of respondents said they check their phone on or before 7am, with almost half checking their phone for messages as soon as they wake up – even on weekends the Good Technology study revealed.
The survey found 35 percent check their phone and email while in bed and 32 percent last check their phone at 10pm or later.
Nearly 40 percent of respondents claimed they need to use their mobile outside of regular hours to keep on top of their workload, while only four percent said it was to impress their boss.
Good Technology APAC vice president Jim Watson said the growing reliance on mobile devices across the nation has increased the need for companies and individuals to manage their use effectively.
“For example, ensuring that sensitive company information is kept secure, while still giving employees the freedom to use their mobile devices the way they want to be productive and connected in both their professional and personal lives,” he said.
“No-one wants to lose all their family photos because the corporate IT department need to wipe the device due to a security scare,” he added.
With technology enhancing productivity and providing a greater flexibility between work and personal life, Watson believes it is important for workers to remain in control and not let their mobile rule them.
“Mobility has ‘unchained us’ from the office so that we can all be productive and connect from anywhere, anytime—whether that’s at home, in the office, while waiting for your coffee at the shop or taking in a child’s cricket game. The idea is to be able to enjoy more of life by being mobile,” he said.
