A survey of over 600 employees revealed many were turning into workaholics
because of the ability to receive and send messages and work online even
when they were at home.
Employment law firm Peninsula said the working week was being extended to
around 55 hours for many people and urged employers to make sure their staff
were not breaching working time regulations.
Managing director Peter Bone said: “It is important for staff to spend
quality time away from the office, spending time with the family, or
undertaking recreational activities rather than tapping away responding to
client emails or deadlines so that they keep a healthy work/life balance.
“Bosses should encourage staff not to work from home unless necessary.
Inform staff that they should limit working from home. If they are happy to
work away then ensure they agree to opt out of the maximum working week and
have this signed. Limit the extent to which employees are using their
devices when they choose to do so; unrested employees will be less
productive during the working day.”
“The recession has forced everyone to become more productive and for
those with access to work at home, this is an opportunity for them to catch
up or get ahead. With email on tap, employees with smartphones are able to
respond a lot quicker and also get themselves prepared for the working day
ahead by checking their email first thing.
“Employees should be encouraged to take appropriate rest breaks if they
do choose to continue working out of hours. Having a well rested employee
with a good work/life balance is a lot more useful than a tired employee
that put one too many hours in the night before.”
