Tech-savvy staff work an extra 20 days a year

Managers could inadvertently be causing their staff to give up their holidays by equipping them with the latest gadgets, new research shows.

A study by Office Angels found that those who are given a BlackBerry, mobile phone and access to wireless internet work an extra 20 days a year, meaning they are effectively handing back their annual leave.

However, despite the constant urge to check on work matters outside of office hours, 40 per cent of people still feel grateful for being able to access the technology.

The survey also found that 41 per cent of people feel that such devices make them more efficient and 39 per cent say it allows them to work flexibly.

One in six people also think that BlackBerries cut stress levels as they stop emails from building up in their inbox.

Office Angels managing director 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."

Last month, Adrenne Heeley, director of work-life services at Right Corecare, warned that fostering an environment where staff feel obliged to work late has a detrimental effect on employees' wellbeing.

Source: i-l-m.com