Only Half as Many IT Professionals Working Through Holidays This Year

Intermedia survey finds only 42% plan to work, compared to 84%

2009-12-17

Intermedia, the global leader in Microsoft Exchange 2010 hosting, surveyed nearly 200 small- and medium-sized businesses and found that 42 percent of IT professionals plan to work through the holidays compared to 84 percent in 2006.

The majority of IT professionals and business managers plan to check email from home while on holiday. 82 percent of business managers and 75 percent of IT professionals will also be reachable to coworkers over the holiday regardless of vacation plans.

"The survey results reflect a more mobile workforce. Higher numbers of managers are using smart phones and Outlook Web Access, so there's less need for them to be tethered to the office during the holidays," says Manlio Carrelli, chief marketing officer, Intermedia.

Anytime, anywhere access also appears to have reduced potential for professionals to use work as an excuse to avoid holiday responsibilities:

• 89 percent of both IT professionals and business managers surveyed said they won't use work as an excuse to get out of helping around the house
• 89 percent of IT professionals and 80 percent of business managers won't pretend to work in order to avoid relatives.