Work Trap

(Vienna, Austria)

Trade unions are warning of the blurred line between work and leisure time as an increasing number of workers read and answer official emails in their free time using their smartphone or PC-tablet.

And say trade union bosses, not only is the out of work hours spent on work-related activity unpaid, it’s also unhealthy leading to stress.

Norbert Schunko of the trade union for private employees said: "It is clear from the study that three quarters of those workers, whose employers expect them to be permanently reachable, are not remunerated.

"If you look at legal cases at the trade union today, you will find that many people are risking a burn-out – not only because of their work inside the office, but because of their work outside of contractual working hours."

With the proliferation of cellular communications devices, I suspect that bothersome calls from work during off hours will become increasingly common and irritating to people who are off the clock. Expect demands for remuneration.