Senior managers in the UK could be struggling to separate their work life from their family time, a new survey has revealed.

The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) study found four-fifths of bosses in the country respond to emails while they are supposed to be away on annual leave.

According to the body, which formed in 2001, nearly 50 per cent accept work-related phone calls, while a tenth go into the office to perform tasks.

Furthermore, individuals are not returning to their jobs feeling refreshed, the statistics showed, with 40 per cent of respondents claiming they are more stressed on their return from holidays than before they went.

Penny de Valk, chief executive of the organisation, said developments in technology are making it difficult for people to remove themselves from the workplace.

“Everyone needs a decent break from time to time to recharge and regain a fresh perspective on life and work,” she added.

Posted by Hayley Edwards