November 25, 2010
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No holiday from e-mail…
Even on the cusp of a long weekend, there’s no rest for the weary.
The majority, or 59%, of working Americans check their work e-mails during Thanksgiving, Christmas and other traditional holidays, according to a survey by Xobni (“inbox” spelled backwards), a Silicon Valley startup that organizes Microsoft Outlook inboxes and address books.
Of those who do check e-mails during the holidays, 55% said they do so at least once a day and 28% do so multiple times per day.
With the pressure of high unemployment, workers feel compelled to check e-mail outside of work to keep up with their jobs, noted Josh Jacobson, Xobni’s senior director of product management.
Forty-two percent of the respondents also said they believe staying up-to-date during the holidays eases their workloads after having time off.
In addition, with the increased popularity of smartphones, it is easier to access work e-mail and be on call all hours, Jacobson noted.
“Especially with mobile devices and laptops, people are taking them everywhere,” he said. Jacobson added that he also plans to check his e-mail over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Still, getting work related e-mails over the holidays is not always well-received. Forty-one percent feel annoyed, frustrated or resentful about it.Others, however, are finding work e-mails provide a much-needed reprieve from family time. Fifteen percent of respondents said they feel relieved or thankful for having the distraction of getting a work-related e-mail from colleagues or clients.
Here is a helpful stat…five percent said they purposefully check e-mail to avoid awkward family commitments. I may pull my smart phone out several times today!
