Band 7 essay sample: contacting staff on holidays.

Thanks to smartphones, many employers now expect their staff to be available at any time, even during their annual leave. Although this can help companies to react quickly, I believe that the disadvantages of this trend clearly outweigh the advantages.

There are some clear benefits for businesses. When a serious problem appears, such as a computer system failure or an unhappy client, the person who knows the most can be reached immediately. This can save a company from losing money or customers. Some employees also like this flexibility, because they can leave the office earlier if they know they are reachable.

However, being available all the time mean that workers never truly rest. A holiday is supposed to give people a break from stress, but nobody can relax while checking work emails. Last summer, my sister has to answer messages every evening while she was on vacation with her children, and she came back more tired than before. Over time, this kind of pressure can lead to burnout, and staff lose their motivation and their efficacy.

In addition, the trend can actually harm employers in the long term. People who feel that their private time is not respected are less loyal, and most of them will look for another job when they have the chance. Replacing an experienced worker is expensive, so the money a company saves by solving a problem quickly may disappear later.

In conclusion, although constant contact can be useful in a real emergency, it puts a high pressure on employees and can damage both their health and their loyalty. Companies should definately allow staff to switch off during holidays, except in rare and serious situations.