Are Aussie workers ‘addicted’ to holiday emails?

Many Australian workers find it difficult to switch off from the workplace mindset over the holidays – and some continue to check their work emails even during the festive season.

The Randstad Workmonitor report, which was published on December 12, revealed that a greater number of Australians check their work email over the holidays than those in many other countries.

Some 35 per cent of Aussie workers will check their company emails over the festive break, compared with 29 per cent of Canadians, 26 per cent of British employees and 25 per cent of New Zealanders. On a global average, 28 per cent of workers worldwide will check their emails over the break – though this figure is considerably higher in the Asia-Pacific region and much lower (only 15 per cent) in north-western Europe.

In total, 48 per cent of the global workforce are likely to check in with their workplace to stay informed. The survey also indicated that younger workers are more likely to feel like their employer requires them to be available over the holidays – although many said this does not stop them from 'letting go' of their work over the break.

If workers are expected to carry out their duties over the break, one Randstad representative suggests that a little appreciation can go a long way. While productivity software can help you keep an eye on your staff's hard work year-round, during the festive season, employees may benefit from some additional encouragement.

"The festive season gives most Australians a chance to relax and escape the office, and it’s important we all make an effort to use our holidays to unwind and recharge," said Randstad's Steve Shepherd.

He added: "We all know the importance of a healthy work-life balance, so making the effort to disconnect from the work environment over Christmas can lead to a more productive start to 2014."