UK workers 'can't switch off'

Thursday, 16 Aug, 2007

The majority of senior executives in the UK check their emails while they are on holiday, a new survey shows, finding themselves unable to leave work behind.

The Harvey Nash poll found 64 per cent of the 2,000 managers and high ranking professionals surveyed delving into their inbox while on paid leave, primarily just to keep themselves informed about developments at work.

Interestingly, part of the problem of being unable to leave work emails alone is actually the development of more flexible communication tools, with 40 per cent saying mobile email devices had actually damaged their work-life balance.

The survey also showed 40 per cent of senior staff working one weekend or more each month, with 27 per cent saying that they feel out of control of their job at least once a month.

"There's no doubt that we're all receiving more emails and more demands on our time than ever before," said Albert Ellis, chief executive of Harvey Nash.

"But constant checking in and regular weekend working is a false economy - if you don't take a proper break your productivity is bound to suffer in the long run.

"Employers need to set reasonable expectations, but employees too need to take responsibility for their own work-life balance," he added.

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