A pervasive culture of overwork and unpaid overtime is severely impacting both businesses and employees across the UK, according to new research released today by Protime UK. The study - which surveyed 2,000 UK employees - sheds light on the detrimental effects of excessive workloads and unrealistic managerial expectations on employee motivation, productivity, retention and overall business performance.
Key Findings from the Protime UK Research:
Unpaid Overtime and Overwork
The research highlights that over half (54%) of UK employees put in between half a day and four days of unpaid overtime each month, amounting to a staggering 19 million days of uncompensated work. This overwork is primarily driven by unrealistic workloads, with 28% of employees reporting that they cannot complete their tasks within the standard working hours.
Employee Dissatisfaction and Turnover
The strain of overwork is leading to significant employee dissatisfaction. One in five employees (22%) expressed a desire to leave their current job within the next six months to escape the pressures of overwork. Furthermore, nearly half (49%) of the workforce is reluctant to take on additional responsibilities or pursue management roles, citing the same concerns.
The Vulnerability of Hybrid Workers
The research also indicates that hybrid workers are particularly susceptible to overwork. A notable 33% of employees working in a hybrid model reported being more likely to put in additional unpaid hours compared to their office-bound counterparts.
Managerial Challenges
The study underscores the need for better managerial practices to prevent overwork. Over a quarter (27%) of employees believe that managers should more proactively ensure that workloads are evenly distributed within teams. Additionally, 20% of respondents feel that the tasks delegated to them are unrealistic given the available time.
Impact on Business Performance and Employee Wellbeing:
Decreased Productivity and Quality
Overwork is not only harming employees but also affecting business performance. Approximately 38% of workers reported decreased productivity due to overwork, while 29% indicated that the quality of their work has suffered. Additionally, 28% of employees stated that overwork has negatively impacted their relationship with their managers.
Elevated Stress and Burnout
Employee wellbeing is another critical area affected by overwork. Over half (53%) of the surveyed employees reported experiencing increased stress and anxiety and 41% mentioned feeling burnt out. Alarmingly, 25% of employees do not take holidays because of their excessive workload.
The Call for Change
The findings from Protime UK's research make it clear that the embedded culture of overwork and unpaid overtime is unsustainable and detrimental to both employees and businesses. Proactive steps from management to distribute workloads more evenly and set realistic expectations are essential to mitigate these issues. Without significant changes, businesses risk losing valuable talent and facing continued declines in productivity and employee engagement.
