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A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the Universities of Bath, Aston, and IESE Business School sheds light on the negative repercussions of ‘phubbing’ — the act of snubbing someone in favor of one’s phone — not only on relationships but also on workplace creativity, especially for women.
Phubbing has long been recognized for its detrimental effects on relationships and mental well-being. Now, the study delves into its impact on working couples in the United States, revealing profound consequences in the workplace, particularly for female partners.
Lead researcher Professor Yasin Rofcanin from the University of Bath’s Future of Work research center emphasizes the erosion of connection between couples due to excessive phone usage, hindering their ability to address stresses and concerns effectively.
The analysis, based on diary entries from 65 full-time, dual-income heterosexual couples with children over 15 working days, underscores how phone use disrupts social interaction and support between partners in balancing work and family responsibilities.
Previous research has shown that supportive interactions at work extend to the home environment, benefiting partners and enhancing workplace creativity. However, this effect appears to be exclusive to women, who are more adept at translating home support into workplace creativity.
According to the researchers, women’s ability to leverage support networks and family-friendly work policies contributes to their enhanced workplace creativity. The support spiral enables women to engage in proactive ‘job-crafting,’ enhancing job satisfaction and creativity through seeking new challenges and fostering stronger relationships with colleagues.
Professor Rofcanin highlights the relevance of these findings in the post-pandemic era, where hybrid working arrangements are prevalent. As organizations navigate this new landscape, understanding the impact of home dynamics on employee productivity and well-being is crucial.
The researchers advocate for employer policies that support work-family balance, such as flexible working schedules, and emphasize the importance of limiting technology use for work purposes outside of working hours. Dr. Siqi Wang from Aston Business School underscores the need for collaboration between HR managers and supervisors to foster a supportive work-family environment.
The study’s insights are expected to inform employer strategies and policies aimed at promoting employee well-being and productivity in the evolving workplace landscape.
