Over half of workers will check work emails over the festive period

A new survey has revealed that over half of workers will be spending Christmas checking on emails and catching up with work.

Latest data from Lee Hecht Harrison Penna shows that as many as three in 10 (29%) will be checking through their emails on Christmas Day.

On average, those checking their emails will spend an hour and 14 minutes doing so.

The reasons given for why they feel they can’t ‘switch off’ from work mode during the festive period include:

• Wanting to lessen their workload when returning in January (23%)
• Having additional work to finish (52%)
• Wanting to ‘stay in the loop’ because they enjoy their job (20%)
• Wanting to ‘stay in the loop’ because they enjoy their job (20%)

JC Townend, CEO of UK and Ireland at Lee Hecht Harrison Penna, commented, “The Christmas holidays should be a time for rest and relaxation, so it is concerning that many workers will be logging into their emails over Christmas. Leaders should ensure their employees understand the importance of logging off mentally as well as physically. Excessive working means employees risk burn out, stress and exhaustion and won’t return to work in January feeling energised.

“Not only does this have a detrimental impact on workers themselves, but it affects the business on a wider level. Even for those who love their job, overworking means they won’t produce high quality work, come up with new ideas and approach their role with a fresh perspective. Before Brits head off on the Christmas break, leaders should remind them it is time for them to relax, unwind and come back to work in January feeling refreshed.”

To find out more about contracting please contact James on 01442 795 100 or email james.trowell@dolanaccountancy.com.