Checking Emails During Commute

Checking emails during commute should be counted as work, researchers have claimed.

21:10 03 September 2018

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of West England has found that employees spend so much time working before and after hours and that checking during their commute should be counted as work.

 

Employees who have participated in the survey are those travelling on two of Chiltern Railways’ routes between London and Birmingham, and London and Aylesbury. The majority said that they use the majority of their commute time checking and responding to emails.  

 

Dr Juliet Jain, speaking at the Royal Geographical Society annual conference today, said: “If travel time were to count as work time, there would be many social and economic impacts, as well as implications for the rail industry. 

 

“It may ease commuter pressure on peak hours and allow for more comfort and flexibility around working times. However it may also demand more surveillance and accountability for productivity.”