Having spent numerous years in the tech field, I’ve come to realize that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to this perpetual dilemma. Transitioning from an individual contributor to a leadership role only added layers to this dynamic. It’s amusing when people express their reluctance to be on call, as if it’s an optional perk. The reality is, as technologists, we’re compensated handsomely for our availability 24 hours a day/7 days a week, although it comes with its own set of costs and benefits that we meticulously weigh.

But how did we arrive at this juncture? The nature of business itself has undergone a significant evolution. Smaller, more agile companies strive to capitalize on market opportunities swiftly, often driven by a fear of missing out (FOMO) on the next big thing. Additionally, the rise of the global workforce has reshaped hiring practices, with companies seeking to reduce costs and tap into skilled labor pools in various markets. Moreover, the pressures exacerbated by the pandemic further propelled the adoption of remote work and intensified the expectation of constant connectivity.

The Impacts of the Tech Treadmill

Navigating the Tech Treadmill requires a careful balance between harnessing its advantages and mitigating its drawbacks. By fostering a supportive work environment, promoting work-life balance, and prioritizing employee well-being, organizations can effectively manage the impacts of the Tech Treadmill culture and ensure the long-term success and satisfaction of their employees.

Pros:

There are undeniable benefits to embracing the Tech Treadmill culture:

• Flexibility and Remote Work: One of the most significant advantages is the ability to work from anywhere. Remote work arrangements offer greater autonomy and flexibility, allowing individuals to tailor their work environments to suit their needs.
• Enhanced Productivity: Remote work often fosters greater productivity due to fewer distractions and more personalized work settings. Fast feedback loops in virtual environments facilitate seamless collaboration and rapid innovation, driving organizational success.

Cons:

Despite its advantages, the Tech Treadmill culture comes with its share of drawbacks:

• Stress and Burnout: The relentless pace of the tech industry can lead to high levels of stress and burnout among employees. Factors such as long hours, tight deadlines, and the pressure to continually deliver results contribute to this phenomenon.
• Negative Impact on Health: The demanding nature of Tech Treadmill culture can take a toll on both mental and physical health. Chronic stress, sleep disturbances, and sedentary lifestyles are common issues faced by individuals in this environment.
• Strain on Relationships: Balancing work demands with personal life can strain relationships and lead to feelings of isolation. The blurred boundaries between work and personal time make it challenging to disconnect and prioritize non-work-related activities.

Each Treadmill is different

Navigating the Tech Treadmill varies significantly across organizations. Larger enterprises often possess more resources, mitigating the impact on individuals, while smaller companies lack such luxuries. Before my career break, I rarely vacationed without my computer, constantly tethered to work notifications. In a high-growth startup environment, this pressure intensified, exacerbated by collaborating with global team members, heightening the risk of burnout. Adaptability is crucial, as different phases within an organization demand varying approaches.

Understanding the Expectations and Norms:

• Remote work culture can vary, with American teams often struggling with work-life balance compared to their EU counterparts. As peers and leaders, we need to understand cultural impacts to set appropriate expectations. 
• Understanding organizational priorities is also essential; launching a new product may require heightened availability whereas running day to day tasks can we scheduled around

Setting Boundaries and Managing Expectations:

• Utilize scheduling features and status indicators within tools to manage availability effectively. Setting status messages gives context for colleagues to know whether to send that message or email immediately or schedule it.  I would often put important events in my status like a child’s school performance or date night in my status.  This was an indicator that I would not be getting to messages in an urgent manner. 
•  Implementing rotation schedules enables better planning and alleviates the burden on individuals. No one likes to be “on-call” yet in the tech field it’s a given that you will be.  However, creating rotations allows individuals on a team to know how to plan life events.  This doesn’t preclude the reality that for major issues, you can be called in, regardless though, you can try to plan life events. 

Importance of Communication: Effective communication with colleagues, teams, and supervisors is paramount in navigating the demands of the Tech Treadmill. Clear communication ensures alignment on expectations and facilitates a healthier work environment.  In my case waking up to Slack messages is very common, however my teams know that I am not a morning person either.  So they adapted to me and helped me understand the urgency of a message. If the message was important they would preface the message with “Before your coffee” and if it was not, they would preface them with “After coffee.”  For really urgent things I would be woken up but this helped me to understand the priority and urgency of what they needed, even in a half awake state.  

Stepping off the Treadmill

In the relentless pace of the tech industry, it’s imperative to step off the Tech treadmill periodically, whether it’s for an hour, a day, or more extended periods. While business priorities and milestones are ever-present, managing stress and supporting team well-being are essential for sustained success.

• Taking Breaks and Disconnecting: Recognize the importance of breaks and disconnecting when needed. This could involve adjusting your work schedule to align with your peak productivity hours, taking regular breaks during the day, or stepping away from work to have lunch away from your desk. Grant yourself the flexibility to prioritize where you’re most needed at any given time.
• Prioritizing Personal Well-being: Incorporate self-care practices into your routine to maintain personal well-being. Setting realistic career goals helps in managing expectations and avoiding burnout. Seeking support and mentorship from peers or mentors can provide valuable insights and guidance.
• Building the Next Layer Down: Whether you’re a mid-career professional or a seasoned leader, cross-training is crucial to enable yourself and your team to take breaks without compromising productivity. By investing in training and empowering your team members, you create a resilient structure that can function effectively even in your absence. My experience of training up leaders allowed me to step away from the business confidently, knowing that they were equipped to handle challenges efficiently.

Navigating the Tech Treadmill requires a delicate balance between harnessing its advantages and mitigating its drawbacks. As we traverse the ever-evolving landscape of the tech industry, it’s crucial to recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to this perpetual dilemma. Each organization approaches the Tech Treadmill differently, influenced by factors such as size, culture, and phase of growth. However, by fostering a supportive work environment, promoting work-life balance, and prioritizing employee well-being, we can effectively manage the impacts of the Tech Treadmill culture. As individuals and leaders, let’s strive to create a future where the benefits of technological advancement are balanced with the well-being of those driving it forward.