Glued to your mobile devices even while on vacation? You're not alone. You're one among several workers from across the globe who can't relax during your vacation simply because you can't avoid checking your e-mail from your smartphone or netbook.

A recent study among Singapore workers by workplace provider Regus noted that Singaporeans are no different from other workers in the region and across the world.

Over half of Singapore workers, or 53 percent, said they are going to work up to three hours a day of their vacation instead of enjoying the time away from work. Some 54 percent of Singapore respondents said they will be on a reduced "business-as-usual" mode during vacation.

The study also noted that there is a minority of "hard-core" workaholics in Singapore - 28 percent of respondents who are going to work more than three hours a day even while on vacation.

The Singapore workers' attitude towards work and vacation are similar to those of Hong Kong workers, according to the same global Regus study.  

Fifty-six percent of Hong Kong workers said they are going to fit three hours of work each day even while they are on vacation. The number of "serious workaholics" in Hong Kong is 26 percent of the survey respondents.

Cause for worry

In both cases, Regus said these are "worrying results" because the already stressed out workers will be all the more stressed while juggling work and vacation, to the detriment of family and friends who are on vacation with them.

"Developments in technology mean that workers are always connected and the temptation to check e-mails and complete any tasks that follow on from them is easy to succumb to. With smartphones, netbooks and Internet connections everywhere it has become very difficult to really switch off, but taking a break and devoting time to rest, family and friends is vital to remain healthy," said Filippo Sarti, CEO, Regus Asia.

"Taking time off from work is not only essential to strengthen bonds and relax, but it can also make the difference between a healthy or a burnt-out frazzled worker. With reports showing that a stressed mind is the perfect breeding ground for more unhealthy anxiety, it's important that professionals let their hair down once in a while and truly break off from the office," said Martin Schwarz, senior VP, Stern Stewart & Co. 

The Regus study involved over 16,2000 respondents in more than 80 countries. Singapore and Hong Kong workers were among those surveyed in the region.

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