With greater wireless freedom comes greater wireless responsibility – in more ways than one. For example, the International Association of Administrative Professionals cited a poll which showed that 42 percent of executives surveyed believe that they'll be working even more in the coming years, largely because of wireless communication technologies. Aside from that, it's already evident how wireless communication has impacted the workplace in at least four areas: collaboration, mobilization, distraction and security.
Tablets, smartphones and laptops have given workers more flexibility in how they work and learn. Contributing to that flexibility is the ability to access the Web with these devices via wireless networks. No longer do people need to be in the same room – or even in the same country – to collaborate and tackle a project. Answers to questions can be given instantly via a mobile call, conference, email or text message. The need for travel is reduced, and collaborators are accessible for longer periods throughout the day. In fact, the IAAP poll also showed that 86 percent of surveyed execs think that workers will be more accessible for collaboration in the future – even while on vacation.
Related to collaboration is the mobilization of the workplace, or telecommuting. Wireless communication has impacted the workplace so much that telecommuting is expected to rise, with more workers working from home or a local cafe rather than in a traditional office setting. Not only that, with mobile phone technology increasing in functionality, more workers are expected to use their phones or tablets to get their work done, rather than relying on a desktop computer at a home or company office space. Additionally, satellite Internet technology gives companies the option to locate their offices in rural areas where cable or landline Internet infrastructures are impractical.
The advantages that come from better collaboration and mobilization also pose some dangers in terms of productivity. While workers are more accessible because of wireless communication, that also means that they're more able to interrupt meetings by excusing themselves to take phone calls or by clandestinely – or not so clandestinely – checking text messages. Furthermore, while mobilized workers may enjoy the freedom of working from home or at a Starbucks, they're also more prone to distractions in these places than if they were in a supervised office setting.
Wireless communication also gives workers more opportunities to leak sensitive information or to somehow get the companies they work for in legal trouble. Such trouble could come in the form of harassment suits, such as from sending inappropriate text messages on company time and on company equipment. Similarly, a worker could tarnish a business' reputation by posting on social networks inappropriate photos taken with a phone's camera that contain company logos. To prevent litigation and information leaks from careless use of wireless technology, company leaders should create a code of conduct for how wireless communication is used in both the traditional and mobilized workplace.
Aaron Charles began writing about "pragmatic art" in 2006 for an online arts journal based in Minneapolis, Minn. After working for telecom giant Comcast and traveling to Oregon, he's written business and technology articles for both online and print publications, including Salon.com and "The Portland Upside."
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