A culture of overwork and unpaid overtime is deeply affecting UK businesses and their employees.
- Recent research highlights that excessive workloads and managerial expectations are compromising workplace motivation and productivity.
- A significant proportion of employees are considering leaving their jobs due to overwork, impacting employee retention.
- The prevalence of unpaid overtime is substantial, with millions of uncompensated workdays contributing to stress and burnout.
- There is a call for companies to foster healthier work environments to maintain productivity and employee satisfaction.
A culture of overwork and unpaid overtime is deeply affecting UK businesses and their employees. Recent research conducted among 2,000 UK employees by Protime UK underscores the severity of this issue. It reveals that excessive workloads and unrealistic expectations from managers are undermining motivation, productivity, and overall business performance.
Recent research highlights that excessive workloads and managerial expectations are compromising workplace motivation and productivity. Employees across the UK are bearing the brunt of this work culture, with 54% of them reporting unpaid overtime ranging between half a day to four days every month. This equates to around 19 million days of unpaid work, presenting a critical challenge for businesses seeking to maintain a motivated and productive workforce.
A significant proportion of employees are considering leaving their jobs due to overwork, impacting employee retention. One in five employees is contemplating leaving their current job within the next six months to escape overwork. Furthermore, a notable 49% of workers are unwilling to take on additional responsibilities or managerial roles due to the overwhelming demands already placed on them.
The prevalence of unpaid overtime is substantial, with millions of uncompensated workdays contributing to stress and burnout. Hybrid workers, in particular, are vulnerable, with 33% more likely to work additional unpaid hours when working outside the office. Moreover, 28% of employees find their workloads unmanageable within regular working hours, often leading to extended working hours and heightened stress.
There is a call for companies to foster healthier work environments to maintain productivity and employee satisfaction. Overwork negatively affects business outcomes, with 38% of workers less productive and 29% noting a decline in work quality. Stress and burnout are rampant, with 53% experiencing increased stress and anxiety, 41% facing burnout, and 25% unable to take holidays. Simon Garrity, Country Manager for Protime UK, warns, “The UK’s widespread culture of overwork is a ticking time bomb that business and HR leaders can’t afford to ignore.”
The findings clearly indicate an urgent need for UK businesses to address overwork and foster environments that value employee time and well-being.
