The gadgets, which elicit compulsive e-mail checking in many users, are being criticised for the mental hold they appear to have over some fans.

Professor Gayle Porter, who led the study, pointed out that this technology addiction can be "devastating" for both individuals and organisations as a whole.

Employers who think this doesn't concern them are advised to think again, as for many the work environment is becoming increasingly technology-driven.

The law places a duty on employers to protect their employees and Porter predicts that legislation will be expanded to take IT addiction into account. She points to US tobacco litigation as an example of how the law could evolve.