(Use of English: pt 1 multiple-choice) As the sun 1. down across Asia, lights in the office towers remain lit as workers stay glued to their desks well after the normal nine-to-five. Even at home or worse still - on holiday - it seems the continent's workaholics cannot switch off.
This is something the South Korean government is keen to tackle 2. an attempt to improve productivity and boost its underdeveloped tourism industry, it is trying to introduce a national standard of a mandatory two-week leave (holiday) for employees. read onAnd it's not just South Korea that is finding it difficult to entice their workers to take leave. A recent survey revealed that 69% of Singaporeans and 77% of Hong Kong employees tune into work out of office 3. and even on holiday, higher than the regional average of 66%. Stefanie Yuen Thio is a partner in a high-profile Singapore law firm and is an ardent believer in working on holiday.
"I never travel without both my mobile phones, my iPad and my laptop, and the first thing I do when I check into a hotel before I check 4. the toilet and the sheets is 5. sure that the wi-fi connection is working and that I can get into my emails."
Around 25% of the 1600 executives polled across Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand confessed that they found it impossible to switch off on holiday.
Advances in technology have made all this 6.. Most business travellers would argue that wi-fi at hotels is more important than the obligatory turn down service. And so more and more hotels are recognizing this as an opportunity. The Intercontinental Hotel group has introduced the use of free iPads for their executive guests, 7. on the fact that most people these days mix business with pleasure.
"We've found it's a really good service and we're going to have to buy some more because they are in demand," says general manager of the Intercontinental Bali Resort, Phil Riley. Almost 8. second person who is pool-side at this beach resort is busy tapping away at their mobile phone or hand-held device.
"I work in the accounting 9. and every day I receive about 30-50 emails," Laurencia reveals. "So if I'm on holiday and don't check and stay connected to my email, when I get back to work it's going to be like tonnes of emails so it's really important for me to stay connected while I'm on holiday. I'm not only looking for wi-fi that's inside the building but also outside so then I can relax and enjoy the scenery while I'm still working."
The phenomenon of a 24/7 workplace has led to hyper-connectivity and faster turnaround times, 10. is of course great for business in a competitive world. But what does this say about the work-life balance in Asia?
"A practical tip, if you do want to stay connected with work, allocate some time at the end of the day or at the beginning of the day so you can 11. up on your emails and then you can enjoy the rest of the day with your friends and family while on vacation," says Tim Hird.
As compensation for being available while on leave, employees are most commonly offered time 12. instead or overtime payment. However, roughly 40% of workers are not compensated at all. So for many, it doesn't even pay to work on holiday.
As the sun 1.
