Results are in. How do people balance a more professional platform?

When I first thought about this poll, I assumed that most people would primarily use the platform during traditional 9-5 work hours or try to limit their time spent scrolling. After all, with the growing awareness around work-life balance, it seemed likely that many would avoid professional networking during their personal time. However, the results were quite the opposite and revealed a compelling trend; a significant number of people engage with LinkedIn outside of the typical workday and most don't seem to mind! This unexpected outcome got me thinking about the reasons driving these blurred lines between our professional persona and our personal.

Poll Results

The poll results showed a significant number of people reported using LinkedIn outside the typical workday. While obviously, people who are self-employed, Freelance or perhaps own their own business do keep regular hours. 59% of people said they used this platform just as much as any other. This raised a question: what’s driving this behaviour in us? Is it the shift towards flexible work hours, or are we simply more connected than ever before, making it hard to set work boundaries?

?One possible explanation for this trend could be the rise in flexible working hours and the increase in remote working. With more companies adopting flexible work policies, employees have the freedom to choose their own hours and work from various locations. This flexibility allows people to engage with professional networks like LinkedIn at times that suit their personal schedules, rather than being confined to the traditional workday. Additionally, remote working can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, prompting employees to use LinkedIn more frequently to stay connected with their coworkers and maintain a sense of community.

Another factor could be the increasing difficulty in setting work boundaries. In our hyper-connected world, the lines between work and personal life are often blurred. The constant connectivity makes it challenging to switch off from work, even after the clock strikes 5 PM. This could explain why many people find themselves checking LinkedIn during evenings and weekends.

Insights from the Community

When I reached out to the wonderful community for their invaluable insights on how to manage LinkedIn usage effectively. The response was truly inspiring, so many of my wonderful connections reached out sharing a wealth of knowledge and experience. Here are some of the most insightful and impactful comments, with the best tips that truly have helped me and provided valuable guidance.

• Donna Eaton : “I only check my LinkedIn app on my mobile out of working hours if I get a notification through email that someone wants to connect or has messaged me.

• Jodie Natasha : “I try and do AM post and then PM connections with people just for 15 mins each time"

• Ellen Leith : “So for me, I set boundaries. Nothing after 8 PM, and nothing after midday Saturday. Sundays off

• Nat Creasy : “Life is about habits, we run so many of them unconsciously and they exhaust us. Getting lost in work/apps and constantly being ‘on’ It is not sustainable and will often result in exhaustion and burnout.”

Conclusion

The poll results have certainly been eye-opening. They highlight the evolving nature of work and the challenges we face in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Whether it’s due to flexible working hours or the difficulty in setting boundaries, it’s clear that LinkedIn usage extends well beyond the traditional 9-5. As we navigate this new landscape, it’s important to find strategies that work for us individually to maintain our well-being and productivity.

What are your thoughts on this trend? Do you find yourself using LinkedIn outside of work hours? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below or send me a message. I'd LOVE to hear from you.

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