Work spills into bathroom time for over half of Americans

Nokia survey sparks “Life In Balance” tips on how mobile technology can fuel a better work-life balance

New York City, NY, USA - More than half of working Americans - 53 percent - have been interrupted by a work-related phone call or email while in the bathroom, according to a survey commissioned by Nokia.

The survey revealed that office-related intrusions invaded other areas of Americans’ lives as well. Twenty-four percent have allowed a call or email to interrupt them while in the throes of passion, and 23 percent while on a date. That may be because most working Americans - 59 percent - never turn off their mobile device.

Nevertheless, 75 percent of working Americans say technology plays a primary role in helping them balance their work and home life.

“The good news is that innovative and personable technology tools, like the Nokia E71, are providing us with choices on how, when and where we work,” said Bill Plummer, Vice President, Nokia Americas. “However, we do acknowledge that there may be times and places where it is considered appropriate to shut off your phone or email altogether.”

The survey also showed that work seeps into leisure time more often than not. Sixty-two percent of working Americans have had their personal lives interrupted by work 10 or fewer times each week. Conversely, a similar number - 65 percent - have had their work lives interrupted by a personal matter.

Work-life balance is the theme of the “Life - In Balance” events taking place this week at Nokia Flagship Stores in New York (October 21) and Chicago (October 23).

Each event will feature the latest in Nokia’s devices and services geared towards balancing the work-life equation, in addition to sage advice from Julie Morgenstern, a bestselling author and time management and organization expert. Morgenstern, who wrote Never Check E-mail in the Morning and other books, will offer tips on how to use technology and other resources to better manage work and personal activities.

“We must have the discipline to maintain separation between work and personal life, so that both are balanced and fulfilling,” said Morgenstern. “With focus, and the right tools, you can easily make the transition between the two - and better enjoy the best of both worlds.”

One of the tools being featured at each “Life - In Balance” event is the Nokia E71, a slim, sleek mobile device that’s designed for the way we live. It empowers work and leisure connections in a stylish way - and its “work/play” mode allows users to easily switch between personal and work home screens to access your favorite functions when you most want them. The Nokia E71 has plenty of other convenient work and play functionality; visit www.nokia.com for more details.

Morgenstern and Nokia have also developed a complete list of “Get Your (Work) Life in Balance” tips for easing your daily grind. For the complete checklist, please see: www.nokia-americas-press.com/lifeinbalance.

About the Survey
All statistics referenced were culled from an online survey of 500 adults in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 54, who are employed either full-time or part-time. Interviews were conducted October 1 - 7, 2008, by M/A/R/C Research. Margin of error for the overall sample is +/- 4.4%, and is reported with a confidence level of 95%. Results are representative of and projectable to the overall populations of both Spanish speaking Hispanics and U.S. adults

About Nokia
Nokia (NYSE: NOK) is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and growth of the converging Internet and communications industries. We make a wide range of mobile devices with services and software that enable people to experience music, navigation, video, television, imaging, games, business mobility and more. Developing and growing our offering of consumer Internet services, as well as our enterprise solutions and software, is a key area of focus. We also provide equipment, solutions and services for communications networks through Nokia Siemens Networks.