Time at Work

Apparently we are all spending more time at work since the recession than before the downturn, research has shown; although why you would need research to state the obvious I do not know! Over the last 15-20 years as companies have become ‘leaner’ we have all had to do more just to stay in the game.

The research stated that ‘increased responsibility’ was the main reason for the increase in working hours, with employees feeling that they are doing more for the same money which has affected their work–life balance.

20% of those surveyed said they had to work longer hours because their company was understaffed and another 20% said they were scared of losing their job.

On average staff work 30 days a year of unpaid overtime, and the survey identified a lack of time for family and friends as the main negative effect of this. Despite this, almost half of respondents believed they had a good work-life balance, while a third said it was adequate and just 11 per cent said it was ‘poor’ or ‘terrible’ (how do you measure this; surely negative people will never have a good balance?!).

If you are in charge of the business or a senior manager you have a better work-life balance, although those on salaries of more than £83,000 are most likely to have a poor work-life balance (money doesn’t bring happiness as they say, although it is probably more a case of having to work to justify your salary!).

After nearly three years of a poor economy it is no surprise that working in a pressurised environment will lead to a poor work-life balance and a corresponding downturn in productivity and motivation, affecting the business. Those in this environment will no doubt move on as soon as a better opportunity presents itself.