Workaholics have been around for as long as anyone can remember, with the majority of people having at least one colleague unable to switch off their computer and leave tasks until the following day. However, it appears that many staff now find it difficult to ignore the incessant emails and work correspondence reaching their inboxes even when they go to bed.
A study by Infosecurity Europe has found that one in three participants admitted that they or their partners finish work, check emails or catch up on information relating to their job via the internet from the comfort of their own bed. Furthermore, 5 per cent of those who admitted to working from their bed claimed that they can spend up to two hours doing so every day.
Relate relationship counsellor Paula Hall voiced her concern about this growing trend, stating that being tied to technology can have a detrimental effect upon relationships.
She said; “It encroaches on couple time – you spend less time together although you are in the same physical space and it can get in the way of intimacy.
“Couples need to establish where the boundaries for work are going to be before it becomes a problem.”
The trend for working between the sheets appears to have originated in America, as a survey based in New York found that eight out of ten participants now see working in bed as part of their regular lifestyle.
This has prompted bedroom furniture retailers to adapt and expand their ranges to include pieces that facilitate this technological expansion. For example, British consumers can now purchase a folding laptop bed mate tray which can be kept on the bedside table for only £10, while an upgrade to a hospital bed style tray table costs only £17.
However, for those who do not wish to do things by halves, US luxury bed manufacturer Reverie has introduced a bed which comes complete with its own power sockets and wi-fi connection – something which workers nationwide will probably be petitioning their bosses for as the alternative to desks in the next refurbishment.
Unfortunately, no matter how comfortable or desirable a day in bed working sounds, it can be horrendously bad for the health of those who do this on a daily basis. As well as research showing that long exposure to self-luminous displays can suppress the amount of melatonin, the hormone which regulates the body clock, too much time using electronics lying down can cause back and neck problems.
Last year in the UK, 7.5 million working days were lost due to diagnoses of musculoskeletal disorders, increasing the total number of Brits suffering from a related issue by 439,000. Head of policy at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health believes that the increasing numbers of people working in bed could be a direct cause of the increase in back and neck complaints.
He says; “It sounds nice and cosy propping yourself up on the pillow but it is not a good posture for working.”
Do you struggle to leave your work at the office and end up quite literally taking it to bed with you, or do you have strict boundaries between your work and home life? Would you consider purchasing a bed which enabled you to have easy access to your laptop or iPad 24 hours a day, or are you safety conscious and use technology sitting properly at a desk? Let us know your thoughts by filling in the comments section below.
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