Companies ‘should consider blocking email access to workers on holiday’

A study found the economic benefits of flexible working hours, giving staff a chance to put forward ideas, and allowing them time to be heard.

The report, by Royal Caribbean, said companies should consider blocking access to emails while workers were on holiday, and they should not be overloaded with work when they return.

Research among 4,000 adults and 650 businesses, by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), found that most workers believed their hours did not met their work/life balance expectations.

Four out of five adults said their company did not encourage socialising with colleagues.

Alasdair Cavalla, from CEBR, said: “The results of the study are striking and clearly show just how important it is that business leaders harness the power of play to build a happier and more productive workforce.”