Desire to stay connected can be dangerous

AS my holiday approaches, I am looking forward to unwinding and switching off.

Except the chances are I won’t. My digital devices will be coming along with me and, despite the threats from my wife to throw them in the pool, they will remain permanently “on”.

As a firm, we actively encourage our staff to enjoy a good work-life balance. Flexible working hours and part-time options are all on the table.

But, the reality is, those of us at senior levels remain in touch with the office even when we are supposed to be off duty.

Case in point : I received an email from a fellow partner this week. He was on the beach. I told him to go back and enjoy his break, it was a routine matter that could easily be dealt with by one of his colleagues. Pot. Kettle. Black. As quite a lot of my work is international, at times my Blackberry is on 24/7.

There are a number of reasons why lawyers are obsessive about remaining in contact. Firstly, the competition in the profession is unrelenting.

We all worry if clients can’t get hold of us, they can always get hold of one of our competitors.

As a result, the thought of leaving the smart phone in the office drawer is just as likely to ruin your holiday as taking the damn thing with you.

Secondly, for some there is a genuine fear of missing out, or feeling out of the loop. Finally, more sinisterly, others are simply addicted to technology.

Signs of obsession include phantom rings, frequent, compulsive phone or social media checkups and a feeling of isolation when separated from technology.

If you watch TV while online shopping, or listen to music while checking your email, this could be you. If you pat yourself on the back and call this “multitasking”, you are probably in denial.

Last year, I took a three-month sabbatical - partners at Mills & Reeve are required to do so every ten years. We are also encouraged to go cold turkey and leave the Blackberry back at base.

Obviously, I wanted to remain in touch with family and friends so I bought a private phone and contract. But, according to my wife, the acquisition of a second cell phone is a red flag for quite a different problem. Can’t win, can you?

Steve Allen is head of the Birmingham office at Mills &

Reeve