Limit remote working to preserve employee sanity

Companies must set policies to limit the use of remote working technologies, in order to preserve their employees’ personal time, according to a new survey from HR services provider NorthgateArinso.

The survey found that two thirds of employees work while on holidays, and more than half work from home.

“The survey results seem to suggest we’re a nation of workaholics,” said David Page, Australia and New Zealand Managing Director at NorthgateArinso.

Almost a third (29.4%) of the 500 respondents admitted to working on the commute to work.

“The tendency for people to work whilst commuting is an interesting one,” added Page. “Assuming a modest each-way commute of 30 minutes, this equates to five hours’ additional work per week that the employee is likely not getting recognised for.”

While this appears to be good news for productivity in the short term, it may not be the best news for employees.

“Technology such as smartphones, Skype and instant messaging are all great productivity tools, but they must be applied sensibly, and people need to understand when to simply turn them off. It’s way too easy to get sucked into being plugged in 24/7,” Page said.

In fact, Page suggested companies look to build policies to limit the use of these tools, lest employees neglect their health, family, friends and relationships.

“Whilst there’s little doubt that technology can help people to manage their work/life balance, if left unchecked it can go too far,” Page said.

“There’s a perception that people should be available 24/7. That’s not the way it should be and it’s down to companies to have the right policies in place and to set the right tone in relation to the use of these tools,” Page said.