Fifty-four percent of workers who have a smart phone or similar device check it while they're driving, a CareerBuilder.com survey reveals. Comparing industries, sales workers (66%) used their smart phones while driving more than any other group surveyed, followed by 59% of professional and business services workers and 50% of healthcare workers.
Some workers admit they may be risking safety on the road to check their phones because they feel pressured to do so. Twenty-one percent of workers say they check their mobile device every time it vibrates or beeps, and 18% report they are required by their company to be accessible beyond office hours via mobile device. Also, 14% of workers say they feel obligated to constantly stay in touch with work because of the current tough economy.
In addition to driving, workers with smart phones say they are checking in with the office on their smart phones from virtually anywhere and everywhere including:
- during a meal (62%)
- on vacation (60%)
- while in the bathroom (57%)
- lying in bed at night (50%)
- at a movie, play or musical (25%)
- on a date (18%)
- working out at the gym (17%)
- at a child's event or function (17%)
- at church (11%)
"It is challenging for workers to maintain a good work/life balance when they are constantly connected to the office, so turning their devices off is important for their health and safety," comments Rosemary Haefner, VP of human resources for CareerBuilder.com. "The lines between work and life can be blurry these days -- 17% of workers said they feel like their day never ends because of technology connecting them to the office. To reduce burnout and avoid potentially risky behavior, workers should allot technology-free time when away from work."
