Impact of BYOD is increasingly blurring lines between work and leisure

The influence of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) on working life grows, with the line between work and home life increasingly blurred. According to the annual Edenred-Ipsos Barometer of 8,800 workers across Europe two-thirds of employees report that work keeps them busy out of hours. Laptops, smartphones, tablets and other devices are making it easier for people to work from home, with around half (54 per cent) of UK organisations giving employees access to this technology. However, despite these new tools being perceived as having a positive impact on the quality of life at work, respondents were critical of the actions taken by companies: 39 per cent feel that the efforts made to introduce new ways of organising work are insufficient, 36 per cent feel the same about wellbeing at work and 28 per cent about the flexibility of the organisation of working hours.

While the research found the amount of time spent working is currently the main professional concern for 28 per cent of UK employees, they rank second happiest in Europe with regards to their quality of life at work. Results also indicate that it is not just work creeping into home-life, 62 per cent of UK employees complete their personal errands during work time.

Andy Philpott, sales and marketing director at Edenred says, “Whilst UK workers would appear to be relatively happy with their quality of life at work organisations must not become complacent. Over a third (39 per cent) of UK employees say that they have considered leaving their current employer and 28 per cent believe they will find it easy to get a similar job elsewhere.

“As well as flexible working, employees are looking for flexible reward and benefit packages that they can customise to best fit their lifestyle. Employers need to recognise this in a bid to attract, motivate and retain top talent.”