ARE BLACKBERRYS REPLACING PILLOW TALK?

88% OF BRITISH PROFESSIONALS TAKE THEIR BLACKBERRY TO BED, ACCORDING TO WORK-LIFE STUDY BY SHERATON HOTELS & RESORTS

Email-addicted professionals just can’t keep their hands off their Blackberrys and mobile email devices as new technology continues to transform the way we live and work. In a new work-life study from Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, 71% of UK professionals surveyed said that because of modern technology, they feel compelled to be connected to work 24/7 and 64% say they work harder now than they did five years ago.

Rules of Engagement
Just how technology-addicted is the UK? A whopping 88% of professionals bring their personal digital assistants (PDA’s), into the bedroom. The majority of people (64%) couldn’t resist checking their PDA’s just before going to bed and as soon as they wake up and an astonishing 62% say they sneak a peak at their PDA in the middle of the night. However despite this it’s reassuring to see that the majority of professionals (72%) do implement ‘rules of engagement’ such as no emailing during dinner, while with the children or on a date. But men are much more disciplined than women, with 80% having ’rules’ while only 61% of women were able to take a break. The longest the most people can survive without checking their email is less than 30 minutes (40%) – only 3% wait a whole day before checking their inbox.

However Technology Means More Time with Family
The Sheraton survey also revealed that although we’re working harder and new technology means we’re never truly off duty, it does enable us to spend more time away from the office and with family and friends. The days of being chained to a desk are over: 75% say that blackberrys and mobile phones allow them to spend more time out of the office and 85% feel they can be just as productive working outside of the office. Most people feel that technology gives them more quality time and flexibility with family and friends (60%), 58% say their PDA helps them enjoy life more and 62% love their PDA. However one in four do say they hate their PDA.

Sheraton commissioned the work-life study to launch a new signature offering: “Link@Sheraton,” a unique lobby lounge that enables guests to stay connected, work and socialise through free Wi-Fi and Internet-enabled computer stations, video-chats, televisions and daily newspapers. In the UK this initiative is available at the Sheraton Skyline Hotel at Heathrow and coming shortly also at the Sheraton Heathrow.

The study was conducted by STUDYLOGIC LLC, who surveyed 1000 professionals via phone with an individual income of £40K+, 2+ business trips per year and a Blackberry or mobile email device.

Helping guests make connections at more than 400 hotels in 75 countries around the world, Sheraton is revitalising its iconic brand while continuing its aggressive international expansion. A worldwide, multi-year revitalisation programme began in 2007 and includes an investment of over $2 billion in new hotels, $1.3 billion in renovations and $400 million in signature Sheraton brand initiatives such as Link@Sheraton, Sheraton Fitness gyms and Sheraton Surface.
Ends

Editors notes

PDA Work-Life Usage Study
This study is based on a survey conducted by STUDYLOGIC LLC via telephone of approximately 1000 adults from the United Kingdom who are professionally employed, with individual income of £40K+, with 2+ business trips per year and use a Blackberry or mobile email device. Respondents were divided into two categories based on gender: 538 males and 449 females. They were also divided into five categories based on age: 239 adults ages 18-24, 259 adults ages 25-34, 189 adults ages 35-44, 189 adults ages 45-54, and 130 adults over the age of 55. There was a much higher percentage of males than females aged 35-44 and aged over 55, and approximately an equal percentage of males and females in all other age categories. The survey consisted of twenty-four questions. Interviews were conducted between July 30th and August 12th, 2008. The survey averaged 25 minutes in length and contains a margin of error in the totals of +/-3%. In addition to the UK respondents the U.S., China, Australia, and Germany were also surveyed.