A recent survey by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) reveals that half of the UK’s workforce regularly works two or more additional hours each week without pay, with many putting in extra time daily. The survey, which gathered data from 1,000 workers across various sectors and roles, highlights alarming trends in overwork and presenteeism — with more than half of respondents admitting to working while feeling too ill to do so.
Key findings:
- 50% of workers are working unpaid overtime of two or more hours weekly, with some working unpaid for an hour or more every day.
- A significant portion of employees are engaging in presenteeism, continuing to work while unwell, which can lead to decreased productivity, increased workplace errors, and further health issues.
- 24% regularly work more than 48 hours a week on average (the legal maximum people should work in the UK).
- 44% say working more than your contracted hours is part of the culture in their organisation.
- 52% regularly check work emails and messages outside of working hours.
IOSH Campaign: Focus on contract ‘small print’
- IOSH has launched a new campaign aimed at raising awareness of the “small print” in employment contracts that often includes expectations for extended work hours or blurred lines regarding unpaid overtime. The campaign stresses the need for:
- Clearer contractual terms regarding working hours.
- The enforcement of proper work-life balance policies.
- Improved employer awareness and action to address the health implications of overwork.
The impact of overwork:
Excessive working hours and presenteeism can lead to burnout, stress-related illnesses, and long-term mental and physical health problems. It also affects workplace safety, as fatigued workers are more prone to making errors, which can lead to accidents, especially in high-risk sectors like construction, healthcare, and manufacturing.
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