Should work emails during commute be counted as working hours?
| Aug 31, 2018, 16:03 IST
Researchers from a university in the UK have stated that work emails that are read and sent during commute should be counted towards the overall working hours of an employee. 5,000 rail passengers were analysed for this study and it was found that they ended up spending over 54% of their journey looking at emails. Apparently, wider Internet access on the trains had led to a “blurring of boundaries” between work hours and free time.
“If travel time were to count as work time, there would be many social and economic impacts, as well as implications for the rail industry,” saidDr Juliet Jain, from the university’s Centre for Transport and Society who conducted the study with colleagues Dr. Billy Clayton and Dr. Caroline Bartle. “It may ease commuter pressure on peak hours and allow for more comfort and flexibility around working times. However, it may also demand more surveillance and accountability for productivity,” she said.
The Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) head of employment, Matthew Percival, said, “Flexible working practices are valued by employees and employers. Having the freedom to email on the go enables employees to fit work into the times that best suits them, whilst offering flexibility helps employers to recruit and retain staff. A common-sense approach is needed, giving individuals the tools to manage their work-life balance.” Stay tuned for more updates.
“If travel time were to count as work time, there would be many social and economic impacts, as well as implications for the rail industry,” saidDr Juliet Jain, from the university’s Centre for Transport and Society who conducted the study with colleagues Dr. Billy Clayton and Dr. Caroline Bartle. “It may ease commuter pressure on peak hours and allow for more comfort and flexibility around working times. However, it may also demand more surveillance and accountability for productivity,” she said.
The Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) head of employment, Matthew Percival, said, “Flexible working practices are valued by employees and employers. Having the freedom to email on the go enables employees to fit work into the times that best suits them, whilst offering flexibility helps employers to recruit and retain staff. A common-sense approach is needed, giving individuals the tools to manage their work-life balance.” Stay tuned for more updates.