Up-teched workforce giving bosses back their holiday

Employees who are technologically enabled by their bosses with WiFi, a Blackberry and mobile phone are working an extra 20 days* per year - effectively giving their holiday back according to new research revealed today. One in ten of these ëup-techedí office workers (10%) admit to checking-in constantly outside working hours.

However, the research of 1,000 office workers by Office Angels, the UKís leading secretarial and office support recruitment consultancy, shows that despite these shocking stats, 40% feel grateful for this technology.

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The benefits of being ëup-techedí according to UK workers include:

More efficient: Two fifths (41%) of UK office workers say remote technology makes them more efficient and means more effective use of their time

Stress Buster: One in six (15%) say Blackberries reduce their stress levels by preventing email build-up

Up-flexing the workforce: 39% say it allows for flexible working

No Escape

For the minority, this desk-less technology leaves employees feeling under pressure and suffocated by their employer and clients (7%), with 6% angry at being unable to switch-off and escape office life.

A Savvy Investment

Office Angels has coined the phrase ëUp-teching the workforceí to refer to the ways savvy employers has enabled their workforce to work outside the desk-bound 9 to 5. Employers may think itís steep to have to fork out 250 for a blackberry, but that 250 investment is clearly returning thousands of pounds a year in manpower.

David Clubb, Managing Director of Office Angels comments on the phenomenon: ìItís important that you maintain a work life balance and keep work in perspective. Occasionally we all need to work outside of normal hours, but this should really be the exception not the rule. Be disciplined about whether you really need to log-on.î

David Clubb's Top Tips to prevent overuse

1. Before checking ask yourself three questions - Am I expecting something urgent? If I see something now, could it wait until tomorrow? Are my colleagues and clients available now if I respond now?

2. Be strict about turning off your blackberry/mobile when youíve done enough working hours

3. Don't let the technology dictate the hours you work, just be available if you have to be

4. Keep your blackberry out of reach during your free time to prevent the urge to constantly check it

5. Learn to prioritise - if it is truly urgent, respond even outside normal hours. If itís not note it down and respond during working hours.

*Based on an 8 hour working day

The Tickbox survey was conducted among 1,219 UK office workers in March 2008