SINGAPORE: The line between work and personal life
is fast blurring, with increasing workplace connectivity and higher
expectations from bosses keeping more workers connected to work at
all times.
According to Robert Half's latest Workplace Survey,
69 per cent of Singapore employees tune into work when they are out
of the office or on holiday, higher than the regional average of 66
per cent.
Reasons cited by Singapore respondents include the
need to be available in case of an emergency at work (66 per cent)
and filtering through work emails to ensure less stress when
returning to the office (60 per cent), suggesting rising work
pressures.
The survey also noted a high level of employee dedication, or
"workaholism".
Many claimed they preferred to stay on top of work issues even when
on holiday (45 per cent), believing they should be available at all
times as they are using a company mobile phone (29 per cent) or
simply finding it impossible to "switch off" (25 per cent).
59 per cent of respondents also cited technological advancements
allowing access to work information from anywhere in the world as a
key reason.
Managing Director of Robert Half Singapore and Japan Tim Hird said
the phenomenon of 24/7 workplace access made possible by
technological advancements has led to hyper-connectivity and faster
turnaround time, which is undoubtedly an advantage for businesses
in this competitive world.
However, the pervasiveness of constant work connectivity also
result in the erosion of personal space, higher stress levels and
overall decline in the quality of life for employees.
He said employers need to be realistic in their expectations to
avoid overloading their staff and negatively affecting employees'
morale and work productivity.
Indeed, the survey found a strong correlation between employees'
workplace connectivity and employers' expectations, with a
substantial 96 per cent of Singapore employers expecting employees
to be available or contactable while on leave or during
out-of-office hours, higher than the regional average of 83 per
cent.
Fortunately, a sizeable 77 per cent said that they expect their
staff to be available or contactable only for emergencies, higher
than the regional average of 57 per cent.
This suggests that although expectations are high, Singapore bosses
are comparatively less unreasonable in their demands than their
regional counterparts.
And the more senior you are the greater the expectation for you to
be available or contactable while on leave or out of office
hours.
In terms of compensation for being available while on leave or
during out-of-office hours, employees in Singapore are most
commonly offered time off in lieu (43 per cent) or overtime payment
for additional hours worked (31 per cent).
However, 39 per cent of workers are not compensated for working
outside of office hours, higher than the regional average of 33 per
cent.
- CNA/fa
