Managers waste over 6 hours answering their work e-mail whilst away on holiday

The latest survey from Peninsula, the UK's leading employment law firm, has revealed that managers spend, on average, 6 hours 40 minutes answering work e-mails whilst away on holiday.

- 73 percent of managers and executives ensure they will have internet availability when booking a holiday.

- 85 percent of managers and executives admitted checking their work e-mail during their holiday.

- Of the 85 percent, 79 percent of managers and executives admitted that they checked their work e-mail daily when on holiday. On average management spend 6 hours 40 minutes over a 10 day holiday, 40 minutes per day.

- 74 percent of employers expected their management team to have contact with them at some point on their holiday.

The latest survey from Peninsula, the UK's leading employment law firm, has revealed that managers spend, on average, 6 hours 40 minutes answering work e-mails whilst away on holiday. The survey also showed that 73 percent of employees ensure they will have internet availability when booking a holiday.

Peter Done, Managing Director of Peninsula said, 'If you find yourself sat on a beach checking your work e-mail from your laptop and a glass of Sangria in hand, close your laptop and start enjoying your holiday. Employees are becoming slaves to modern technology and because e-mail has made it easier than ever to keep in constant contact with the office, they are finding it hard to get a true break from work. It is common knowledge that people's work life is busier than ever and this survey highlights the sizeable role that work plays in our lives. However, holiday entitlements are there for a reason and employees should be using this time to relax and re-charge themselves.'

Mr Done continues, 'There are several steps an employee can take to ensure they do not have a need to contact the office. Prior to going away ensure colleagues and clients are given contact details of someone who can deal with any problems or queries that may arise. Setting up an auto out of office reply to an e-mail account is a good way of informing people that you away and will also give them someone to contact in an emergency. Giving a return date one date later than their actual return will allow workers to catch up on the backlog of e-mail, thereby giving a smoother transition back into work.'

'Employers should not expect workers to be in, or make contact when they are on holiday. Having a meeting with the employee before they go away and delegating work where possible will make both the employer and employee feel a lot calmer. Any work that cannot be delegated should be planned into the employer's diary ready for their return.'

In conclusion, Peter Done says, 'Employers should encourage their managers to enjoy their holidays, not insisting they make contact with the office. They should not expect employees to contact the office at all and need to make provisions for the absence of the employee.'