Over Half of Britons Working From Bed

When one thinks of gadgets for use in the bedroom, one doesn’t think of a laptop. But then again, one may not be British.

According to a survey by Credant Technologies, a quarter of UK employees can’t keep their hands off their mobile devices for work purposes, even in bed. Of those who work until it’s time to sleep, 57 percent spend 2-6 hours a week at it despite their partners finding it “very annoying.” So much for eating crackers, eh?

Eight percent, apparently already having heard everything their partners could possibly have to say, spend more time with their mobile computers in the evening than they do talking to the person next to them.

“This survey confirms that there is a growing population that is no longer restricted by working hours or confined to the office building itself,” said Michael Callahan, Vice President at Credant. ”People are mobile and will work anywhere – even in bed.”

Though surveys don’t always have right and wrong answers, most respondents answered one question “right” at least: What is the last thing you do before going to sleep? Ninety-six percent said they kiss their partners goodnight. (Another acceptable answer: the person next to me, bada bing!)

The other four percent (71 percent of them male) said they complete work or check email (“wonder why my wife is giving me dirty looks” apparently not an option).

Why is Credant so concerned with worker bedroom habits? Well, if Justin Timberlake brought sexy back, Credant sent it out again: they’re more concerned with computer security than love lives. “When sensitive and valuable data is being held on these devices and they get lost,” Callahan continued, “it can have pretty detrimental and far-reaching consequences to both the worker and their employer.”

Eighty-seven percent connect to a wireless network; 20 percent of them knowingly connect to an insecure network; 47 percent of them don’t consider security implications; and 56 percent are downloading or uploading company information.

And there we are left with a whole new concept of using protection in the bedroom. Thanks for that, Credant. I suspect OSHA is updating its guidelines now—helmets, goggles, back braces, new Workman’s Compensation forms.

If suffering from insomnia, the company recommends listening to your wife instead.

Just kidding. The actual tip was: “Use your bedroom for what it’s designed for. And, if you’re not feeling sleepy, your laptop is the last thing you should be turning to!”

Credant’s also provided a video about the topic, disappointingly safe for work.