Aussies Limit Use of Work Emails

Being online 24/7 is not fun for most Aussie workers. A study from Northgate Arinso revealed that fewer workers check their work emails at home. Statistics showed that only 38 percent of workers bother to check their emails after office hours. The number this year is lower eight percent compared to last year’s results. 

The study also found that Aussies don’t like making work calls when office hours are over. Only 24 percent of Aussie workers say they make work-related calls. 

It appears that while many regard technological devices as if it were the Holy Grail, many Aussies believe that technology has blurred the lines between work and personal life. Northgate Arinso managing director David Page said bosses are slowly realizing that workers may suffer from online fatigue. 

Page added that companies like BlackBerry even enforce a ‘turn-off’ policy, encouraging employees to stop checking work emails after office hours. 

The use of technology does not necessarily mean a more efficient life for Aussie worker. Only 37 percent of the respondents said that technology has allowed them to work from home. The number is small compared to last year’s 52 percent. 

Workplace experts noted 10 signs that indicate work-related technology may be affecting one’s personal life too much. These are checking your phone or email before you sleep, when the first thing you do is check your social networking sites, or when you still bring your work even when on vacation. 

Other signs also include replying to emails even after office hours and expecting co-workers to reply immediately, and you haven’t had any face-to-face interaction in the last few months.

Tagged David Page, Northgate Arinso