British Bosses take their Blackberry to the beach

Two-thirds (68 per cent) of British bosses take a BlackBerry or other device to access work-related emails whenever they go on holiday

46 per cent of executives (and 68 per cent of those with a BlackBerry) check their email at least once a day while on holiday

89 per cent of senior businessmen think that mobile technology means they can work more conveniently at home or away from the office

This Bank Holiday Monday British bosses may be on holiday, but they will still be tapping into the office, and contentedly so, according to a new survey by The Aziz Corporation ñ the UKís leading independent executive communications consultancy. The research reveals that over two thirds (68 per cent) of senior executives take a remote access device, such as a BlackBerry, palmtop or laptop with them on holiday in order to monitor work emails. 46 per cent (and 68 per cent of those with a BlackBerry) check their work emails at least once a day while they are away, although the majority (73 per cent) only respond to urgent matters.

Despite this blurring of the boundaries between work and leisure, the study demonstrates strong support for these new technologies. Far from viewing them as an intrusion, 77 per cent of Britainís business leaders believe that remote access technologies keep them up-to-speed and make it easier to return to the office after a holiday. 12 per cent even go so far as to say that checking emails whilst on holiday can provide a welcome break from the family, just as a holiday can offer much needed respite from the office.

Professor Khalid Aziz, Chairman of The Aziz Corporation commented: ìOur research reveals that British bosses want to be contactable during their annual leave. They like to be kept informed and, whilst this does not mean jumping on the phone in response to every email, it does allow them to be available if needed and keeps them in the loop. For the majority, the odd phone-call interruption or taking the time to have a quick look at emails is hugely preferable to arriving back from holiday to a full inbox and a mountain of information to catch up on.î

Whilst two-thirds (65 per cent) of executives believe that mobile technology means that they can never truly switch off from work, there is no sense of resentment. Although 82 per cent feel that the days are gone when only senior executives had their free time interrupted by work matters, less than half (45 per cent) think that remote access technologies have led them to work longer hours than in the past.

In fact, rather than being viewed as a nuisance, the overwhelming majority (89 per cent) of managers believe that remote access devices mean that work that can often be done more conveniently, when at home or away from the office. Similarly, 83 per cent of managers feel that such technologies make it easier to manage their workload and make more productive use of ëdeadí commuter time.

Khalid Aziz added: ìWe all need to have time away from the office to recharge our batteries and enjoy our hobbies and families. However, commitments are a corollary of seniority and long hours are a fact of life for many. Remote access technology has revolutionised the way we work, allowing us to stay in touch wherever we are. It provides a means of working more conveniently and productively and, as such, is warmly welcomed by Britainís business leaders.î

The survey does, however, highlight a widespread concern amongst executives, with 75 per cent believing that remote access and mobile technologies reduce the amount of face-to-face time spent communicating with colleagues and clients.

Khalid Aziz said: ìIn spite of technological advances, there is no substitute for face-to-face contact and everything else is a compromise. Although, compromises are not unreasonable given the time constraints of modern life, executives should remember that there is no electronic substitute for the occasional exchange of pheromones and ensure that face-to-face meetings remain a key element of business life.î