British workers are dedicating significant hours beyond their contracts without compensation.
- Research shows millions are forfeiting an entire month annually through unpaid overtime.
- On average, British workers lose 42 days a year to additional work hours.
- The flexible working shift hasn’t prevented the blurring of work-life boundaries, as many continue to add unpaid hours.
- Experts highlight alternative ways Brits could use the time spent on unpaid overtime.
Research conducted by Hitachi Personal Finance reveals that British employees contribute significantly more time than contracted without receiving payment, culminating in over a month annually. According to the study, they collectively work 1,834 unpaid days, equating to five years over a lifetime, by merely extending their work hours without extra compensation.
Poll results indicate almost half of the surveyed individuals routinely begin their workday early, with a notable portion also ending it later than required. Specifically, 32% gain an extra 147 days over their lifespan by starting work 20 minutes early daily, while 15% accumulate an additional 330 days by beginning 45 minutes ahead of schedule. Simply by commencing work an hour early, 2% of workers amass an extra year and two months.
The situation is mirrored post-shift, where 30% extend their workday by 20 minutes, and 14% do so for 45 minutes. As a result, workers gain another 330 days over their lifetime. Furthermore, 5% work an hour or more overtime each day, resulting in an additional one year and two months of work during their career.
The balance between professional obligations and personal time remains skewed despite the advent of remote working which ostensibly saves commuting time. A majority of workers express a desire for improved work-life balance, yet the reality of extended work hours persists, underscoring a significant issue within the modern workplace environment.
In response to these findings, experts propose several productive alternatives to unpaid overtime. Learning a new language, acquiring new habits, pursuing academic degrees, or indulging in entertainment such as binge-watching series are cited as potentially rewarding pursuits. This could enhance personal development or offer leisure, adding value to time otherwise spent on unpaid work.
Vincent Reboul, Managing Director of Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance remarked on the situation, emphasising the importance of valuing personal time and experiences, especially in the context of increased home working. Reboul suggests workers reassess their work-life balance to reclaim time for personal growth and social interaction.
The research underscores an urgent need for British workers to reassess their work-life balance to better utilise time otherwise spent on unpaid overtime.
