A significant portion of Britons face a blurred line between work and personal time due to technology, with many using personal devices to extend their workday.
- More than a third (35%) of UK workers use their personal mobile phones for work tasks after regular office hours.
- A notable 18% of employees prefer their personal phones while on business trips, citing superior performance over work-issued devices.
- Despite the convenience, 61% report increased data usage, without reimbursement from employers, highlighting a financial strain.
- French-style legal provisions granting the ‘right to disconnect’ find favour with 65% of British workers.
The study indicates a growing trend where personal and professional boundaries are increasingly blurred among British workers. More than a third (35%) engage with work activities on their personal mobile phones after returning home. This is indicative of a broader shift in work culture, exacerbated by technological advancements that facilitate constant connectivity.
A preference for personal devices is evident, with 18% of employees opting to use their own phones over work-issued ones during travel. Reasons include better performance and a preference for familiar technology. Moreover, a quarter of respondents report conducting work tasks during lunch breaks, and nearly a quarter continue this pattern on their commute, regardless of office hours.
However, these practices have financial implications. A striking 61% of respondents noticed an increase in their data usage due to work-related activities on personal devices, a cost often not reimbursed by employers. This creates additional out-of-pocket expenses for employees.
French legislation provides a noteworthy contrast, legally empowering workers to disconnect outside of official work hours — a policy that 65% of British respondents believe the UK should adopt. This reflects a broader desire for clearer work-life boundaries and legal protections against the expectation of constant availability.
Data security remains a critical concern, as new GDPR legislations place considerable responsibilities on both employees and employers. Alarmingly, 46% of workers reported a lack of awareness about these regulations while performing work tasks on their personal devices, potentially exposing businesses to compliance risks. Emergency Services and Accounting sectors are particularly vulnerable, with high instances of personal device use reported post working hours.
The findings underscore the necessity for clearer work-life boundaries and consideration for legal reforms similar to those in France.
