Research indicates that prioritizing phones over partners can deter women’s creativity at work.
- The study was conducted by universities in Bath, Aston, and IESE Business School.
- ‘Phubbing’, or ignoring a partner for phone use, disrupts valuable supportive dynamics at home.
- Women, in particular, are affected, as supportive home interactions boost their workplace creativity.
- The research suggests the importance of healthy tech boundaries to enhance productivity.
A recent study has highlighted the adverse effects of prioritizing mobile phones over partners on women’s creativity in the workplace. Conducted by researchers from the Universities of Bath, Aston, and IESE Business School, the investigation draws attention to the phenomenon known as “phubbing.” This practice of snubbing one’s partner for phone interaction not only strains relationships but also impacts mental health and diminishes women’s creative potential in professional settings.
Professor Yasin Rofcanin from the University of Bath articulates that excessive phone usage is eroding essential connections between couples, inhibiting their ability to discuss and manage stressors effectively. Supportive conversations at home create a positive domino effect for partners, significantly enhancing women’s creativity in the workplace. Unfortunately, this beneficial spiral is curtailed when individuals are deeply engrossed in their phones, neglecting precious opportunities for interpersonal connection.
The study involved diary analyses over 15 working days from 65 dual-income heterosexual couples with children in the United States. These entries reveal that phone usage is disrupting the crucial social interactions and the mutual support necessary for balancing work and family commitments. Earlier investigations with similar parameters also indicate that supportive engagements with colleagues have a positive impact on intimate relationships, further nurturing creativity at work. However, the latest findings underscore that the creative enhancement attributable to such support is particularly evident among women.
Researchers attribute women’s heightened response to supportive home dynamics to societal expectations, which often compel them to manage both home and work efficiently. This dual responsibility motivates women to forge robust support systems and advocate for family-oriented work policies. The resulting support spiral empowers women to innovate at work, undertake proactive job modifications, establish strong professional relationships, and maintain an optimistic job outlook, all contributing to enhanced workplace creativity.
Professor Rofcanin emphasizes the relevance of these findings in the post-pandemic era, where hybrid work models have become increasingly common. As organizations adapt to these new conditions, understanding the influence of domestic dynamics on employee productivity and well-being becomes crucial. Employers are encouraged to consider policies that promote work-life balance, such as flexible schedules, to harness these benefits effectively.
Dr. Siqi Wang from Aston Business School suggests that fostering a supportive work-family environment is possible through coordinated efforts between HR managers and frontline supervisors. Training programs for supervisors could stress effective communication and controlled technology usage, particularly for work functions, to augment workplace productivity.
The study underscores the critical role of maintaining healthy technology boundaries to foster creativity and productivity among women in the workforce.
