Blurring of Boundaries Between Work and Home: The Role of Developmental Relationships in the Future of Work

Roland K. Yeo, Jessica Li

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This chapter addresses the intersection of three concepts: the impact of digitalization on the future of work, the blurring of work-life boundaries, and the role of developmental relationships. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data science has transformed the way work is performed. The shifting conceptualization of work has inadvertently increased the speed of change that shapes the future of work through digital innovation. This shift will amplify the way we execute our work, the tools we use, the aesthetics of work, the issues associated with work, and the meaning of work. The lines between work and home have become fuzzier with the proliferation of remote working supported by technological enablement. The ability to balance work and family demands has therefore become a challenge for many people. Work and personal life have become intertwined to the extent that the blurring of work and family boundaries might lead to undesirable cognitive, emotional, and physiological effects. These undesirable effects might cause people to lose focus or motivation and hence experience difficulty in delivering the expected work outcomes. Developmental relationships will therefore play a critical role in mitigating these negative effects through formal and informal means by utilizing a variety of virtual platforms. This chapter addresses developmental relationships as mediating the psychological impact of remote working by promoting learning agility which leads to self-directed learning. We explore the role of developmental relationships in helping people navigate through the blurring of work-life boundaries and offers implications for HRD research and practice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationHRD Perspectives on Developmental Relationships
Subtitle of host publicationConnecting and Relating at Work
EditorsRajashi Ghosh, Holly M Hutchins
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Pages305-332
Number of pages28
ISBN (Electronic)9783030850333
ISBN (Print)9783030850326
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022

Keywords

  • Developmental relationships
  • Digitalization
  • Future of work
  • Learning agility
  • Psychological well-being
  • Work-life boundaries

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Economics, Econometrics and Finance(all)
  • General Business, Management and Accounting

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