Some Can't Tear Away from Work E-Mails during Holidays

A news release about the poll from the San Francisco-based Xobni, an e-mail software firm, said of those admitted e-mail checkers, 55% do so at least once a day while 28% do so multiple times each day.

Meanwhile, 79% of the at-home e-mail checkers say they have gotten a work-related email from a colleague or client on holidays.  The onslaught of work is leading to growing contempt by workers, with 41% of those that ever received work e-mails from a co-worker/client while they had time off for the holidays saying they are either annoyed, frustrated or resentful after receiving these messages.  

According to the announcement, younger adults have the strongest opinion on the matter, with 56% ages 18-34 sharing they have the above reactions compared to just 39% of adults ages 35-44 and 30% ages 45-54.  The survey also found that 12% of respondents actually “dread” seeing work e-mails populate their inbox and 10% even feel pity for those who do send work-related e-mails on holidays.

Despite their displeasure, 42% of those that check work e-mail while they have time off for the holidays still believe that staying up-to-date on e-mail eases their workloads once they return from break.  Additionally, 19% of those that ever received work e-mails from a co-worker/client while they had time off for the holidays even cited feeling “thankful” or “relieved” at having the distraction.

Males are significantly more likely to check work e-mail on holidays – 67% – compared to just 50% of women.  Employed middle-aged adults feel the greatest urge, with 65% of those aged 35-44 stating that they have checked work e-mails on holidays. The survey found that the Southern region led the way with the most people sharing that they check work e-mails during the Holidays – 63% (compared to 57% for the west and 59% for the northeast).

Five percent of those that check work e-mail while they have time off for the holidays even admitted to using the work e-mail as excuse to avoid awkward family moments and other holiday commitments.

The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Xobni (2,179 respondents adults ages 18 and older) earlier this month.