A recent survey highlights the growing trend of Brits using personal devices for work tasks outside office hours.
- Over a third (35%) of British employees conduct work tasks from their personal phones after work.
- French law offers a ‘right to disconnect’, a policy supported by 65% of Brits surveyed.
- Workers in Emergency Services and Accounting sectors are the most affected by this trend.
- New GDPR regulations pose challenges for employees using personal devices for work.
In an era of increasing work demands, many British workers are extending their office hours into personal time, according to a recent survey. This study reveals that 35% of Brits conduct work-related activities on their personal mobile phones after leaving the office. Additionally, a significant proportion are doing so during their lunch breaks and commutes, raising questions about the balance between work and personal life.
The concept of ‘right to disconnect’, legally backed in France, receives considerable support in the UK, with 65% of respondents favouring a similar approach. This reflects a growing desire among British employees to establish clearer boundaries between work and personal time, amidst an ‘always on’ work culture.
The Emergency Services sector is particularly impacted, with 60% of its workforce engaging in work tasks on personal devices post office hours. Accounting professionals are similarly affected, with 42% using their phones to manage emails during commutes. In the legal profession, 61% reportedly conduct work from personal devices during holidays and sick days, highlighting the pervasive nature of this trend.
Despite the convenience, using personal devices for work introduces significant challenges, particularly concerning GDPR compliance. The survey indicates that 46% of British workers are unaware of GDPR obligations while handling work emails on personal phones. This lack of awareness could lead to inadvertent breaches of data protection laws, posing risks for both the individual and their employer.
Gary Beeston, a director at a mobile phone insurance provider, advises employees to inform employers if they use personal devices for work. This ensures that employees are aware of GDPR regulations and can mitigate risks associated with data protection. Furthermore, Beeston highlights the financial implications, cautioning workers to review insurance policies and data usage agreements with employers to avoid unexpected costs.
The survey underscores a significant challenge in balancing work commitments with personal life, calling for greater awareness and measures to protect employee well-being.
