Workload, stress, pressure: technology ensures working Brits are never far away from the office – even on holiday
Hotel rooms become virtual offices as 44% of Brits work on their holidays
London, 29th September 2010: Swimming trunks, sunglasses, sunscreen, mobile phone and laptop. New survey findings from Lightspeed Research (www.lightspeedresearch.com), a leading online market research company, show that almost a half of British workers who took a holiday (44%) worked while they were away.
Not a lot of holiday
The results suggest that British workers are feeling over-stretched and under-supported. The main reason for working on holiday is to avoid work piling up – 43% cite this motivation. A tenth of respondents feel that their boss expects them to work on holiday; an unhappy 6% fear they will lose their jobs if they don’t work on their break; 10% don’t trust others to cover for them; and16% feel guilty or anxious if they do not work while on holiday.
A fifth of holidaymakers work most days
For those who work on holiday, the time they devote to work related activities is not insignificant. The majority of those who work on holiday spend on average 10% of their vacation working – the equivalent of more than half a day in a typical seven day break. But for a fifth, work occupies 11-20% of their holiday – up to one and a half days. According to the survey, 19% hardly get a break at all, with work intruding on most days of their holiday, while 6% find themselves working every day.
Hotel rooms transformed into virtual offices
As a result of all this work, hotel rooms across the globe are being transformed into virtual offices: 58% of those who work on holiday do so from the comfort of their hotel room. In second place at 23% are internet cafes, 22% work on the move – on the plane, train or bus. 16% admit to working by the pool or at the beach.
Ralph Risk, European Marketing Director, Lightspeed Research, said: “These results suggest that for many Brits holidays are no longer a time of rejuvenation and relaxation. Although they are physically away from the office, they are still held on an “electronic leash” to their desks, with email, calls and texting keeping many in regular touch with the office. While technology has made keeping in touch easier, work is definitely encroaching into holidays, making it difficult for employees to completely switch off from the office.”
Ends
Note to editors
The survey was carried out on the Lightspeed Research UK panel at the end of August amongst 1000 respondents - all of whom work full or part time and took a holiday this year.
For press enquiries please contact:
Charlotte Herbert, PR Consultant - Greenfields Communications
cherbert@greenfieldscommunications.com Tel: +44 (0)7870 204242
Ralph Risk, Marketing Director Europe – Lightspeed Research
rrisk@lightspeedresearch.com Tel +44 (0)20 7896 1950 / +44 (0)7876 507689
About Lightspeed Research
Lightspeed Research delivers valuable data to help clients make informed business decisions. With proprietary online panels throughout the world, our verified, engaged, and deeply profiled survey respondents can support research studies that vary in scope and complexity. Lightspeed Research's expert Client Operations Team offers data collection services including survey design, sample management, programming and reporting. The company has offices throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Lightspeed Research is part of Kantar, the information insight and consultancy division of WPP. For more information, please visit www.lightspeedresearch.com
