Modern gadgets² which allows workers to be perpetually on-call or able to check emails can put a huge strain on life outside of the office. 

 

A British study, carried out by psychologists from the University of Surrey, analysed 65 previous surveys involving 50,000 employees to determine the consequences of having constant access to work. 

 

They found that those who 'switched on' long after the office was shut were more likely to have problems with their health and private lives. 

 

The use of mobile phones and laptops increasingly 'blurred³' the boundaries between work and home life 'causing work-family conflict' the authors concluded. 

 

The studies showed that although smartphones and tablets are often billed as helping⁴ to workers to be more flexible with their time, they actually caused employees to work longer hours. 

 

"The overall amount of time which is actually spent with one's family and with engagement in self-related activities is reduced by (mobile phone and laptop) use," the report found. 

 

The researchers discovered that workers increasingly face a strong expectation to be available 24/7 and few feel able to switch off. 

 

Svenja Schlater who led the study said bosses needed to 'rethink' whether it was sensible for employees to be in constant contact. 

 

"Staying 'switched on' might increase flexibility⁵ and efficiency at first glance, but in the long run, it can result in longer work hours and can be detrimental⁶ to wellbeing due to stress and work-life balance issues,"she said. 

 

"We need to re-think unlimited⁷ 24/7 access to work, and manage technology use more wisely and in particular, more actively⁸. 

 

"Researchers, employers and employees need to work jointly⁹ on how to make the use of technologies as beneficial as possible, reducing the negative effects. Otherwise, there is a danger of unintended knock-on effects." 

 

Ms Schlater added: "Families are understandably annoyed when someone is checking their mobile phones throughout dinner. It can cause problems within relationships and communication. 

 

"And workers themselves need to realise that they should not be contacting colleagues after hours, as they will be pressuring them to reply."

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