SINGAPORE: The majority of employees in Singapore
struggle to achieve work-life balance, due to the widespread use of
technology.
According to a study by global recruitment & HR
services provider, Randstad, more workers feel obliged to answer
emails and calls outside of work hours, as they're connected
through smartphones and the Internet.
The Randstad Workmonitor Report for Q1 2012,
released on Tuesday, polled 405 employees in Singapore.
It found that seven in 10, or 71 per cent, receive calls or emails
outside regular office hours.
Sixty-seven per cent receive work-related calls or emails when
they're on annual leave.
Nearly half, or 45 per cent, said their employers expect them to be
available at all times, or '24/7'.
The number is higher for those who're between 45 and 54 years old
and for those aged 25 to 34 years.
Sixty per cent of workers feel they fall short of their own
expectation if they don't respond to an email or phone call
immediately.
Randstad regional director, Singapore & Malaysia, Ms Karin
Clarke, said companies and staff need to be mindful of the knock-on
effect from technology.
"Business leaders should be clear in their expectations for how
'switched on' they expect their staff to be.
"For example, for people in a client-facing role, there may be a
need to respond instantly around the clock but for others, replying
on Monday morning is soon enough.
"At the same time, employees should set their own boundaries and
ensure they spend uninterrupted time with friends and family and
allow themselves the chance to relax."
- CNA/ck
