5 in 10 workers will stay in contact with work whilst on holiday!

5 in 10 employees will stay in contact with work whilst jetting off on holiday this Summer; but 6 in 10 workers will spend their time worrying whether their job is safe, according to research released today by Peninsula, the employment law consultancy. 51% plan to call the office at least once during their vacation whilst 63% of the same respondents will keep in contact almost daily. The survey also shows that 66% of everyone questioned worried whether their job was safe whilst on vacation.

In response to the survey, Peter Done, Managing Director of Peninsula said, because of technology it's much easier for people to stay in contact with the office. It is often difficult to switch off from work when going on holiday but it is about recharging batteries and getting away from the working environment. Access to cellular networks around the world make it easier for employees to stay in contact with the office.

So what can be done to ensure workers get a more relaxed holiday?

Done continues: Anyone going on holiday should plan ahead and try to foresee potential problems or deadlines that may arise. Allocate time prior to going away to let colleagues and clients know the name of someone they can deal with, should problems arise. Email auto-replies are a good way to inform people of who to contact should there be any problems. They should also let people know a return date for the individual, although I advise that adding an extra day, even though the person may be back in the office, will give them a chance of clearing email backlogs. It's these small measure that help ensure a more relaxed holiday without fearing that a mountain of work will face them upon their return.

Bosses should also play their part and make sure workers are not worrying about their job when they are on vacation, said Mr Done.

Reassure them that they have done a great job and they deserve a well earned break, helping to reassure workers that their job is safe. Both employer and employee should sit down together to discuss deadlines, work completed and any potential problems that could arise whilst away. Tasks should be discussed and delegated where possible, as to avoid excessive workloads for when the individual returns. An employer does not want workers going absent with stress upon their return from holiday.

The survey highlighted that management are likely whilst on holiday to stay in contact with the office whilst those in junior roles feel less obligated.

Done continues Whilst it is admirable that many workers stay in touch it is important to realise that employees should take advantage of a physical and mental break after all this may be the only holiday the employee will get in a year. Employers who force their staff to work whilst they are on holiday or do not intervene even if aware how committed their staff are, run the risk of being taken to employment tribunal. It is very likely that the company will survive and run fine whilst it's workers are on holiday, so my advice is go and enjoy your holiday and spend quality time away from work, after all you deserve it.

PENINSULA SURVEY RESULTS:

Peninsula questioned 1908 workers throughout July:

> 51% of employees will stay in contact with work when they go on holiday this Summer, 80% of these respondents will leave their phone on so they can be contacted by work. 63% of the same respondents say they plan to keep in contact daily.

> Over 80% of those that said they were in contact with work whilst on holiday are of management status and higher.

> 66% of everyone questioned worries about job security when they go on holiday.