So, here we are, enjoying the holidays: the fine meals, drinks and laughs we are sharing with our friends and family, but it seems that there will be a little (or a lot) of work in the mix.
Xobni has released their 2nd annual survey results on email behavior around the holidays... and it ain't pretty if you're a believer in disconnecting over the holidays. Overall, the percentage of people checking and receiving email was shockingly similar to last year's results, leading us to believe this is a very valid representation of email behavior over the holidays.
The highlights of the survey are as follows:
79% of U.S. working adults say they receive work email on traditional holidays like Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, etc.; and 68% with email admitted to checking it.
19% of people said that they are actually "thankful for the distraction" or "relieved" to receive work email on holidays.
37% of people surveyed admitted to feeling annoyed, frustrated or resentful after receiving work-related emails on holidays. This number dropped slightly from 41% last year, leading to more evidence that people are accepting (and for some, embracing) work on the holidays.
41% of people that admitted to checking email because they believe doing so would ease the work load once they return from the "break."
Funny bone stat: 6% say they use work email as a way to avoid awkward family/holiday commitments and "crazy" friends and/or relatives.
But, there's good news for the holiday purists. According to the survey, men are checking email LESS.
That's right - in 2010, 67% of men admitted to checking email in 2010, and that number fell to 58% in 2011. And women are checking slightly more... meaning we're closing the gender gap on who checks email while spending time with friends and family over the holidays.
If you are one of those who is on your email over the holiday, get Xobni and Smartr - It makes managing all your contacts and email a million times easier. Treat yourself!
If you're intrigued and want to learn more, here's a link to the full data (and here are the results from last year).
Full Disclosure: I am posting this on December 23rd, and I have no intention of opening any emails until January 9th!! - Happy holidays everyone ....