The majority of employed American adults (68%) with work email accounts check their messages during traditional family holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Among those checking their email, 27% do so multiple times each day.
Those checking their accounts are not likely to find empty inboxes as 79% of those polled say they receive emails from clients or colleagues during the holidays.
The below infographic, published by email and contact management company Xobni, takes a look at how and why so many Americans are on their work email during their time off.
The graphic shows that respondents experience less animosity towards contact from their jobs as 37% felt annoyed, frustrated or resentful after receiving work-related emails. This percentage is a 4% drop from 2010.
In fact, 19% responded they feel "thankful for the distraction" or "relieved." For others, checking email is less about seeking distraction and more about staying up-to-date with their work; 41% percent say they do so to ease their workloads once they return from time off.
It can be an addiction though, with 10% of respondents ages 18 to 44 saying they check their email during "inappropriate" times such as family parties or meals. Six percent use work as a way to avoid family commitments or avoid crazy friends and relatives.
Did you check your work email during Thanksgiving? Do you use work as an excuse to avoid awkward family gatherings? Tell us about your own behaviors in the comments.
