“Oh, I’ll just check my emails before I go to bed…”
We've all done it. For better or worse, advances in technology mean we can now check our work emails from the comfort of our own sofa, on the bus, in the bath… anywhere we can get reception, basically - and we do.
Now Labour leadership hopeful Rebecca Long-Bailey has called for workers to be given the right to ignore work emails and messages outside working hours to end the “24/7 work culture” and protect mental health.
It’s a debate that is long overdue. I’ve written a feature about mental health for the next issue of M&IT and this was a theme that cropped up time and time again.
It reminds me of that quote from Jeff Goldblum's character in Jurassic Park: “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.”
Sure, you can put your work emails on your phone and be contactable 24/7. But is this good for anyone at all in the long run?
Sarah Mayo, co-founder of Point3 Wellbeing, says: “The way we do business has changed. 20 years ago when you were on site you would take your file and you would be totally in that event. Nowadays we’re juggling so many different balls – and we take the office with us wherever we go.
“There’s an expectation that you’re managing more events and keeping in touch with people, and then you go straight to another event next week. The way we do business has changed but the way we run events hasn’t. I don’t want to tech bash, there’s so much good has come out of it, but it needs us to have a good relationship with technology and a good understanding of the knock-on effects.”
Helen Capelin, account director, Ashfield Meetings & Events, revealed the agency is ahead of the curve in tackling the issue.
“We recognise that advances in technology have led to work-life balance challenges", she says. "It’s vital that as senior leaders, we promote a workplace culture that encourages and highlights the benefits of ‘switching off.’ The initiatives we’ve introduced aim to emphasise that message and we’ve seen a positive impact on staff retention as a result.”
So what do you reckon? Has 24/7 work culture affected the way you work - and your mental health? Do you expect your colleagues to be at your beck and call at all hours? And also, do you like the idea of being able to ignore your boss outside of working hours - and having the legal protection to do so?
Regardless of whether Long-Bailey wins the Labour leadership, I expect this debate won't be put to bed any time soon.
Check out more on mental health in our feature in the February issue of M&IT
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
