A recent survey reveals that a significant majority of Britons feel compelled to work beyond their contracted hours.
- The study shows that 84% of UK workers feel pressured to undertake overtime due to job demands.
- On average, employees are working 23 extra hours each month across various industries.
- Law Enforcement and Security sectors are recorded as having the highest overtime.
- The impact of overtime extends to physical health, mental well-being, and personal relationships.
A comprehensive survey conducted among 1,000 UK workers reveals that an overwhelming 84% feel compelled to work overtime. Expectations to meet job demands dominate as the primary reason for this trend, as individuals strive to fulfil their roles in increasingly demanding environments.
The survey highlights that employees, on average, are contributing an additional 23 hours per month beyond their standard working hours. This practice spans a wide array of industries, reflecting a pervasive culture of overtime across the workforce.
In examining industry-specific data, Law Enforcement and Security sectors emerge as the most affected. Employees in these fields are putting in approximately 35.2 hours of overtime each month, close to a week’s additional work on top of their regular commitments. These workers report working an extra 12.6 days each month, indicating the intense nature of their roles.
Following closely are industries such as Business, Consulting, and Management, where employees average 32.24 hours of overtime monthly. Workers in these sectors dedicate nearly 10.5 extra days per month to meet the demands of their professions. Fields like Information & Technology and Energy & Utilities also show significant overtime figures, each averaging roughly 31 hours per month.
The survey further explores the detrimental effects of this overtime culture. Over a quarter of respondents noted adverse physical health impacts resulting from their extended work hours. Furthermore, 23% indicated that overtime had a negative effect on their mental health. The consequences of long hours are not confined to health alone; around 16% of participants reported relationship strains, and others expressed concerns over diminished social and family quality time.
Fiona Armstrong, Chief People Officer at Moneypenny, underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced work-life dynamic. She asserts that businesses should view employee well-being as a priority, suggesting that a content workforce significantly contributes to sustainable success. Armstrong stresses that ensuring employees’ rest and engagement is crucial to achieving organisational goals.
The survey, engineered by TLF for Moneypenny, provides a significant spotlight on the evolving dynamics of work culture within the UK, revealing industry-specific nuances and broader impacts on personal life.
The survey clearly reflects the pervasive issue of overtime among UK workers, highlighting a need for strategic organizational changes to safeguard employee welfare.
