Tireless office staff who never clock off

ONE in three office staff moans that their bosses expect them to be available for work outside normal hours, a study reveals.

More than half also complained about having to respond to work emails in their own time. The findings come as the Government plans to give employees the right to “ignore” emails from bosses or managers so workers can have a better “work-life balance”.

Researchers found 30 per cent of workers say they are “expected to be available” for communication on work issues after hours. The survey, which quizzed 1,000 people nationwide, found 54 per cent had responded to a work message while on holiday, while 78 per cent had responded to messages from their boss after hours.

Civil servants, healthcare workers and teachers reported having the best work-life balance, with their bosses leaving them in peace out of hours. The study found office workers were more likely to respond and the most likely to be expected to be available for work communication after hours. Those working remotely were more likely to respond while on holiday or at the weekend.

Craig Jackson, professor of occupational health psychology at Birmingham City University, said: “It’s up to each organisation to develop rules on expectations of employees working outside normal hours, and it’s always best if staff are consulted on any rules on responding to emails.

“Studies show people work best if they have the freedom to work the way they want to, within reason, and in a way that’s healthy for them. So ‘pillow emails’ – sending emails before going to sleep or after waking up – generally aren’t a good idea.

“Countries including France and Portugal have brought in laws which limit how much employers can expect from staff outside normal working hours.”

‘Pillow emails not good idea’