Investigating homeworkers' usage of mobile phones for overcoming feelings of professional isolation

Abstract

Working away from the traditional office place can result in homeworkers losing contact with the informal networking and mentoring relationships with colleagues necessary to progress in their careers, resulting in the feelings of professional isolation. This study investigates how the mobile phone may be used by the homeworkers to avoid such feelings. Data was collected from 25 respondents working in a telecommunications organisation using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. It emerged that four respondents expressed an interest for career progression and subsequently remained connected to their mobile phone outside of working hours to avoid feelings of professional isolation. Twenty-one respondents did not communicate a similar desire, however, they also remained connected as such. The results challenge the common assertions concerning professional isolation made within homeworking literature. These are discussed within the paper, which also addresses how the findings of this study aim to aid theoretical progression within this area. Implications for organisations employing homeworking are presented, together with the limitations of the study, and directions for future research.