Workplace Technology and Work–Life BalanceAmong Working Professionals: The Role ofPersonality Traits

Abstract

Technology at work is now a more crucial part of employee's professional and personal lives. This study investigated the association between workplace technology, personality and work–life balance of working professionals. Using the survey data of 250 respondents, full-time and part-time employees and entrepreneurs, a quantitative cross sectional secondary analysis was carried out. Items pertaining to workplace technology (hardware, networks, software, databases, technological procedures, and IT support) and items pertaining to personality traits and work–life balance were structured into questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression were used. The results revealed overall positive attitudes towards technology at work and work–life balance. At the bivariate level, workplace technology was highly positively correlated with work–life balance (r = 0.841, p < 0.001), and the correlation between personality traits and work–life balance was moderate (r = 0.578, p < 0.001). The variance within work–life balance was 70.8% accounted for by the regression model. This was significant (p < 0.001, β = 0.865) and remained so after adjustment, while personality traits were not significant after adjustment (p = 0.492, β = −0.033). The results suggest that technological conditions conducive to the support of professionals in their management of work and personal life can be important. Reliable technology, available IT support and employee-friendly digital working habits should all be key priorities for organisations.