Daimler Offers to Block E-Mails When Employees Go on Holiday

Daimler AG has told about 100,000 of its employees in Germany they can opt for a company service that automatically deletes incoming e-mails while they are on vacation.

E-mail senders get a "mail on holiday" notice and an alternate person to receive their message. The system enables employees to enjoy an empty in-box when they return to work.

Daimler tested the system last year to favorable reviews. It now offers the voluntary service to all employees in Germany who have a company e-mail account.

The Financial Times notes that Germany's labor ministry has advised managers to stop phoning or e-mailing their subordinates after hours except in emergencies. Volkswagen AG announced it would stop routing e-mail to employees' Blackberry phones after normal working hours.