Hong Kong employees work too hard

70% of Hong Kong's employees don't stop working--even at home.

That attitude might be good for business but it certainly doesn’t do their health any good. The result of this over zealousness: Hong Kong employees struggle to achieve a healthy work-life balance, according to the Randstad Workmonitor Report for Q1 2012.

A survey of 405 employees in Hong Kong found that nearly seven out of 10 respondents said they handle work-related matters in their private time, and 60% receive work-related emails on holiday.

Some 35% of employees feel their employer expects them to be available 24/7. The sheer amount of information available on multiple devices also has a big impact on the daily life of Hong Kong employees.

A huge 74% of respondents said they’re victims of information overload and also receive more data than they can process every day.

Hong Kong employees remain fond of meeting other people, however. A full 65% of respondents said they prefer face-to-face contact rather than through email or over the phone.

Brien Keegan, Director of Randstad Hong Kong, said the Randstad Workmonitor allows employers to see the latest trends and pressure points in the employment market.

“Interestingly in Hong Kong’s fast-paced environment, employees are expected to work during their private time. This practice puts a severe strain on effective work-life balance and can impact negatively on productivity in the workplace.”

He also noted that since most employees have Internet access at home and use smartphones or other devices provided by their employer, this tends to puts further stress on employees to respond immediately regardless of their situation.

“With increasing work and life complexity, business leaders need to be clear in their expectations of employees and what is required of each individual role. With 40% of employees in Hong Kong reporting they have changed roles in the last six months, providing greater levels of flexibility and the workplace environment for employees to shape their careers around lifestyle priorities is helping many employers to stand-out in today’s skills-short environment.”

He advised Hong Kong’s employees to understand that the notion of balance is self-defined and is not a destination.

“They need to set boundaries to create their own sense of balance around what is personally and professionally important for them. What works for one person does not necessarily work for another, and that’s okay.”

Randstad is one of the world’s largest recruitment and HR services providers with Asia Pacific operations in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand.