Locked in a virtual workplace

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Kiwis can't resist the temptation of staying connected to the workplace when they're off duty, even if they're not being paid.

A survey of 600 finance industry professionals by recruitment firm Robert Half found that two-thirds use technology to carry out work-related tasks when they are on holiday or at home.

This is despite the fact only 6 per cent of employers expect them to and 43 per cent don't get paid for it.

Robert Half director Andrew Brushfield said BlackBerrys, iPhones and laptops were consuming more of employees' time each day and it was important to minimise the amount of time spent on them.

"People have addictive personalities and are too inquisitive to just let the red light flash.

"They aren't necessarily remunerated and are putting in more hours, which is related to burnout."

Bosses would be aware their employees were working longer and good bosses would offer them flexibility, such as allowing hours off in lieu or letting people start later or finish earlier.

"Employees are being conscientious and taking their careers seriously but employers aren't holding a gun to their head saying, 'You have to check your emails while you're away'."

Ways to minimise technological dependence included planning holidays in advance. "If possible, get a temp in so your position is filled," Brushfield said.

"Provide a thorough checklist of what has to be done in your absence - it's less likely you'll be called." Brushfield also suggested allowing a few hours the day before your return to get "mentally back into the game".

"[It] doesn't take up as much time as if you're regularly checking emails."

The issue affected companies of all sizes but small businesses and self-employed people were particularly vulnerable to this issue as it was difficult to get jobs done while crucial people were away.

But the benefits of technology included an increase in efficiency and a reduction in staff burnout and turnover.

The ease of working while away from the office was only going to increase and people needed to be more discerning about how often they checked their devices, Brushfield said.

"It's a matter of having a conversation around what's expected between employees and employers," he said.

Robert Half general manager Megan Alexander said connecting to work was now so accessible that for many people "gone are the days that you stop working when you shut down your office computer".

"[But] helping employees strike the right balance between their professional obligations and personal life is easier and less costly than employers might think."

Paper-free flexibility

Bernard Lamusse, managing partner of BDO Waikato, says the accounting firm is planning to become 98 per cent paperless within five years which, apart from benefiting the environment, will make it even easier to work remotely.

Ten years ago, all staff members arrived at 8.30am but now his team of 30 start work when it suits them.

"We expect them to work 37 hours a week, and apart from admin staff, it doesn't matter when they do it," said Lamusse.

People who work extra hours can add them to a timebank and take them out whenever they want.

Key performance indicators such as productivity and recoverability need to be monitored to make sure work is being done efficiently, Lamusse says.

And he discourages people from connecting while on holiday. "I expect them to switch the phone off and enjoy themselves."