Small firms that equip their workers with the latest gadgets could be inadvertently stripping them of their holidays, new research shows.
According to a study by Office Angels, people who are given a mobile phone, BlackBerry and access to wireless internet work an average of an extra 20 days a year, effectively cancelling out their annual leave.
However, despite this remarkable figure, 40 per cent of people who have been provided with such devices are grateful for the technology,
The research also shows that 41 per cent of people feel that the gadgets make them more efficient, while 39 per cent believe they allow them to work flexibly.
One in six people also praised the BlackBerry for cutting stress levels at they can be used to stop emails building up.
Office Angels managing director David Clubb said: "It's important that you maintain a work-life balance and keep work in perspective.
"Occasionally we all need to work outside of normal hours, but this should really be the exception not the rule."
Last month, Adrenne Heeley, director of work-life services at Right Corecare, warned that encouraging a culture of 'presenteeism' can have an adverse affect on a workplace.
