A few days ago Miami Herald reporter Cindy Goodman blogged about a trend for employers who are making policies about their employees' use of BlackBerries and other handheld devices outside of work hours. Many employees are beginning to ask for overtime now that they have an even shorter digital leash to their bosses and are expected to respond to e-mails well after they punch out at work. I have to wonder how many PR professionals are considered for overtime for all of their time working outside of 9 to 5 (BlackBerry or not). I am not on a BlackBerry, but I can't usually stay afloat without checking and responding to e-mail from home at least once or twice between the time I make it home and arrive back at work the next day. I actually consider this part of the job of a PR professional. Our industry was deadline driven even before cell phones or beepers were ubiquitous. The key is to set boundaries and limits, and unplug from time to time.
Do any of you have BlackBerry policies at your jobs? Do you feel BlackBerries have improved the PR field by making it more on demand, or has it created an unrealistic expectation of instant (but perhaps impersonal) service?
On another note, do not forget that our early bird deadline for the Sunshine District Conference is May 9. Members who register before then pay $249 ($60 off our regular rate). Visit our conference site now to check out our speakers and register for the conference. We're now less than two months away!
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