PARSIPPANY, NJ, June 19, 2013 – For many workers the boss’s emails never seem to stop, according to a survey by Right Management, the talent and career management experts within ManpowerGroup. Many bosses send employees emails after work hours and expect them to respond.
More than a third of employees report getting work-related emails after work hours. In addition, 6% get the boss’s emails on weekends and 9% while on vacation.
When does your boss send you work-related emails and expect you to respond?
After work hours 36%
On weekends 6%
During my vacation 9%
Seldom or never outside work 49%
“The boundaries of the workplace are expanding and now reach deeper into employees’ lives, especially now that mobile technology is taken for granted,” said Margaret-Ann Cole, Career Management Practice Leader at Right Management, which provides talent, career and outplacement services to Fortune 500 companies. “Many find they can no longer just leave the office at the office, and instead will get emails or calls while commuting or shopping, or even sitting down to dinner. One has to ask…is this a convenience or an imposition?”
Contributing to the constant emails, Cole explained, is the growing number of people working virtually. “By nature, their work hours aren’t as structured, and individuals may turn on their computer when making morning coffee or just before retiring. They expect to get messages at all hours.”
“There are also emergencies, when one’s supervisor needs to know something right away, and every employee, particularly a manager, can expect to be contacted at an odd hour,” Cole said. “But the survey findings suggest such intrusions have now become routine, not an exception. I suppose some workers can adjust accordingly, but for others it’s added stress when they ought to be relaxing with family or friends.”
Cole believes the trend may reflect the personality of the boss. “They’re achievers who have trouble shutting down at the end of the day. Moreover, they’re probably sitting at their laptop and not thinking that their message will reach someone at the market or gym. That’s part of always being available via mobile technology. Keep in mind, we’re talking about emails that aren’t just informational, but ones that call for engagement, a response, and probably right away.”
Just because one receives an email at midnight, it does not mean an immediate response is necessary, advised Cole. “People hear the ‘ding’ and act reflexively. It’s better to judge whether or not an instant response is expected, when the next morning may be just fine for all concerned. Furthermore, it’s rude to be checking email or texts during a family meal.”
For senior-level managers, however, it is important for them to be available at all times. “There are emergencies and problems that need to be addressed at almost any hour. At the same time, bosses should think twice about messaging at all hours. They may think they’re being productive, but the effect may be the opposite.”
Cole worries that for more and more workers their home life is not their own and work never far from mind. It‘s been a trend for several years, and we don’t know where it’s headed.”
The survey of 422 workers was conducted via an online survey between May 16 and June 15.
