ëCrackBerryí addicts beware - donít get too attached to your BlackBerry!

Mobile working is a particularly fashionable word in the world of business right now. Thanks to wireless technology, laptops, PDAs and the good old Blackberry, thousands of workers around the country are taking advantage of the ability to work any time, any place, anywhere.

BlackBerry users in America lost their web and email connectivity this week for ten hours. Some users complained of immense frustration and imagined their workplaces grinding to a halt without their immediate input. In reality, business life went on pretty much unimpeded. The only thing that really broke down were those busy professionals addicted to what some like to call ëCrackBerriesí.

Leading psychologist Professor Graham Jones of performance development consultancy Lane4 warns not to get hung up on these gadgets and PDAs, in case they hang up on you.

ìThe virtual office has indeed revolutionised the way we do business but what about the unwanted side effects when the line between business and pleasure becomes blurred? Managers may have the luxury of being able to manage their workload whenever wherever, but increasingly theyíre losing their grip on a healthy work life balance,î said Professor Jones

Todayís mobile manager is never ëaway from his deskí and whether itís an evening, a weekend or even a holiday abroad with the family, he or she is expected to be on call to deal with any eventuality. Indeed, itís not unusual to see people talking on their mobile phones or even typing away at their laptop while sipping cocktails at the poolside. Research by The Work Foundation has found that 30% of Britons are failing to take their annual leave entitlement and it is because they are too busy.î

But itís certainly not healthy. In an age where mobile technology is the norm, the time has come to distinguish some sensible working practices so that, not only are managers able to take time out without disturbance, but those who work under them realise the importance of team work.

Professor Jones added, ìWorking with large national and multi national companies, we often come across workforces who, on realising they donít have their boss on hand to deal with any queries or problems, seize up with fright. While this may indicate that there is a definite leader amongst the workforce ñ someone to turn to in times of trouble ñ there is usually very little sign of team work in these environments. Each individual regards themselves as having a job to do without realising that each plays a vital role in achieving a common goal.î

In a world of mobile work a leader that is successful in generating teamwork and motivation is vital. Regardless of status or position within a company, everyone is entitled to draw a line between their work lives and their home and social lives. This is obviously more difficult to achieve if the place where you live is also the place where you work, but time and again itís proven that creating this boundary is fundamental to maintaining a level of enthusiasm, morale and productivity.

Mobile managers must learn to switch off ñ in all ways. Itís vital to call time on the working day and to switch off your mobile, your lap top and anything else that connects you to the office, even if itís just at weekends and holidays.

ìThey need to set an example of leaving on time and taking their holidays,î said Professor Jones. ìThey should also create effective hand-over notes and show they trust their staff to get on with the job while they are away by giving them responsibility and not phoning in to check up on them. People working in teams and sharing responsibilities means that roles do not become person-dependent. The guarantee is youíll return to work revitalised and when faced with a sink or swim situation, your employees will thrive when they realise the results they can achieve in your absence when they think like a team.î