Can one work as hard as Elon Musk and still be father of the year? The coming of 2016 is certain to bring about new evolutions of challenges in this digital age. Work-life balance will once again be put to the test in the face of new goals and new targets. While countries like Denmark and Spain seem to have the technique down pat topping the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 2015 Better Life Index for Work-Life Balance, most of the world is still struggling.

Dr Rosie Robison, who leads the Balance Network in its series of activities to address real work-life balance issues and aspirations of modern workers, says: "Many people know first-hand that balancing work and home life is not easy, and our increasing dependence on digital technologies brings its own challenges."

The founding Principal Investigator of the Balance Network, Beverly Leeds, gives emphasis to the increasing need for an effective and workable integration of home life and work life: "Managers need to recognise that digital technologies have altered our lives and consider what is best for their workforce and the organisation.

"There can be benefits for both if the worker is in control of the place and time of the work task but there needs to be a balance between work and other life activities."

Entrepreneur puts together a few means by which technology can aid in achieving this balance, allowing professionals to maintain a strong presence for their loved ones.

#1 Stay on top of important schedules and occasions with countdown assistant Big Day. This app allows the tracking of both past and future schedules. It has a reminder feature to spend time with family and friends when work schedules and commitments go on a heavy streak.

#2 Stay in the know with the Inby app, which is excellently useful in these three major things: a) impressing your spouse with information on the ongoing events, promotions, even sales by both big-named and small shops in preferred localities b) locating very good venues and sources for business needs and engagements c) finding the best value and the best quality for the best price possible.

#3  MedHelper app enables even the busiest executive to keep track of prescriptions, medication supply, consultation appointments for personal health conditions and for those of family and loved ones. With this tool, neglect of health is possibly minimised.

#4  Sending an email, an SMS, a Twitter post or a Facebook message on a selected date at a selected time for the selected recipients are now possible with the Schemes app. This is a great assistant with which to stay in touch with family and friends, especially when it counts the most.