Workers with smartphones including Blackberrys clock up an extra 15 hours per week at work due to the constant access to work email says a survey published by Employment law firm Peninsula.
The survey of 600 people found that smartphone owners were constantly checking their work email, from the time they got up to when they went to bed.
Peninsula said that due to widespread smartphone use the work week was being extended to about 55 hours. The firm asked employers to check that their staff weren’t breaching working hours regulations.
“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,” said Peninsula managing director Peter Done.
“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.”
Done said that the recession was forcing employees to become more productive and as a result they were checking emails and responding while at home in order to free up more time for the next working day.
