Employees view receiving mobile devices, such as BlackBerrys, from their companies as a benefit, but at a large price, according to a recent survey of 627 employees commissioned by WorldatWork.

One-third of employees surveyed said that they view receiving wireless devices from their companies as part of their total rewards package. Half of employees surveyed said they felt that these devices signify their status or importance at the company.

But at the same time, 42% of employees said they believe that by getting the devices, they are expected to always be available. Three out of four respondents said they never turn their devices off. Most employees surveyed said they use their wireless devices between one and five hours per day during what they consider non-work time.

Employees have come to view having these devices as a double-edged sword. On one hand, employees seem to value receiving the devices from their companies. On the other hand, the devices make employees feel “like they have a noose tied around their necks and must always be available.

To address this, companies need to put policies in place. For example, accounting firm Ernst & Young has a policy that says employees are not expected to look at their e-mail on weekends.

However, such corporate policies are pretty rare. It’s more common for companies to hand out these devices than to create policies around their usage. And given the current economic climate, it is doubtful that employees are going to approach their HR managers anytime soon about creating such a policy.

Source: Workforce.com, Jessica Marquez