80% of employees work 7 extra hours a month without pay

In a survey of 1083 employees polled by Peninsula BusinessWise the Employment Law Firm found that; 81% of employees regularly work beyond their contracted hours without pay; plus that the average employee works 7 hours of overtime without pay every month.The survey also revealed:
 

1. The average employee works an extra 7 hours of overtime a month without pay

1. 2% of employees found themselves working in excess of 10 hours of overtime a month without pay

The survey highlights the growing problem and office culture of over-working which is present in UK society. Employees are simply too busy and have too much on to give themselves time away from the office and as such often find it difficult to relax through worry and stress.

Through working lengthy hours of overtime not only are employees lengthening the working day, they are simply carrying out the work for their boss without getting paid for it.

It is also not uncommon for bosses to place undue pressure on their staff regarding working overtime and also in relation to taking holidays; this can range from assigning large quantities of work to individual employees; to reducing non contractual bonuses; and not considering specific individuals for internal promotions and opportunities that may arise. However it is clear that workers themselves are too busy and simply cannot afford to take the breaks that they are entitled to because their workload is so tremendously high and the working week is so long.

The benefits that employers gain by giving their staff time off are invaluable. Not only do workers return from their breaks feeling refreshed and relaxed, but also their motivation is likely to be tremendously boosted by their time away from work.

As all managers know a highly motivated and happy employee, is an employee who works harder and puts more effort in. Therefore the benefits are reaped by the employer through the increased levels of productivity, and consequently profits. Also if bosses are placing undue stress on their staff, then the potential for future Tribunal cases is higher.

The number of hours an employee can work during the week is governed by the Working Time Regulations (WTR) and it is important that bosses take note. However there are exemptions whereby if a member of staff wishes to work over his/her relevant limits an opt-out agreement can be signed enabling them to do so.