As technology proliferates in today’s business world, employers are becoming more comfortable with softening the lines between their workers’ personal and professional lives. This has created a shift away from the idea of a work-life balance and toward work-life integration. This trend is particularly visible in the start-up community. Stephen Tang, president and CEO of University City Science Center, a business incubator located in West Philadelphia, says most of the people working there think nothing of taking a long lunch or participating in a conference call well after 9 p.m. “I think it’s just fine,” said Tang, adding that if people enjoy what they do, there is no need to draw strict lines. And this shift doesn't only benefit the young and tech savvy; the ability to integrate work and life has allowed some, particularly parents, to stay in the workforce. Kristin Thomas, a mother of four children, works 30-35 hours a week, mostly from home. Without this flexibility, “I wouldn't be working,” she said. While it’s important for employers to set boundaries, work-life integration is becoming a reality, and those businesses not on board may fall behind.