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Chained to work by mobile

Company employees who use mobile phones, Blackberries or other remote technology work an extra 20 days a year, effectively giving up their holiday, according to new research.

A survey of 1,000 staff by recruitment firm Office Angels showed that 7% felt under pressure and “suffocated” because they were constantly tuned in to work. Meanwhile a similar number were ‘angry’ that they could not switch off and escape work.

The report says companies are getting huge returns on their technology investment because of the extra hours being worked by their staff.

But despite the “shocking” statistics, two out of five of those questioned said they were grateful for technology, often believing it reduced stress levels by allowing flexible working and preventing email build-up.

Office Angels MD David Clubb said: “It’s important that you maintain a work-life balance and keep work in perspective. Occasionally we all need to work outside of normal hours, but this should really be the exception not the rule. Be disciplined about whether you really need to log on.”

He urged workers not to let technology dictate the hours they put in.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .