A study of 2,000 employees revealed that a staggering 87% work an average of five and a half hours more every month outside their contracted agreement without any additional pay. This equates to a whopping 153 million cumulative hours of unpaid work each month, or 19 million eight-hour working days.

Over a quarter (26%) confessed they end up working more because they haven't completed their daily tasks, while 20% are burdened with 'unrealistic' workloads for their contracted hours. Consequently, 29% wish their manager would lighten their workload, while 27% desire a more even distribution of work within the team.

Simon Garrity, UK country manager for ProTime, who commissioned the research and compiled it into a report titled 'The True cost of Overtime: How overwork impacts employee performance', expressed his concern: "Using our time effectively is so important, especially in today's fast-paced work environment."

"It's concerning to see such a high percentage of adults working unpaid overtime, often due to unrealistic workloads or uncompleted tasks. Employers should prioritise workload management and ensure that employees' time is valued and respected."

The study also found that only 6% of workers admit they aren't very productive during their working day, while a mere 3% confessed they struggle with managing their time effectively. Distraction (56%), lack of focus (48%) and spending too much time on unimportant tasks (46%) were identified as the main culprits of poor time management.

Interestingly, 71% who excel at managing their time are more organised (66%), can prioritise well (57%) and make their own to-do lists (40%).

The study also revealed that the average worker didn't use all their holiday entitlement for the last full working year, with a quarter claiming they were unable to take the time off due to their workload. This had a negative impact on the wellbeing of 35%, with 53% experiencing increased stress and anxiety and 41 % feeling tired and burnt out.

Despite these findings, 69% of workers are generally content with their work-life balance. However, among those who weren't happy, 20% are planning to leave their current job in the next six months as a result. While 14% are only staying in their job because their workload means they don't have time to look for another one.
More than a quarter (26%) end up working more because they haven’t completed their to-do list for the day, and 20% they have ‘unrealistic’ workloads for their contracted hours. (
Image:
SWNS)

A poor balance also means 40% are less likely to go for a promotion and 47% are less inclined to take on additional responsibilities. The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found that 42% have given up their hobbies due to work taking over, and 36% have missed important events like birthdays or a child's nativity play.

Simon Garrity warned: "The UK's widespread culture of overwork is a ticking time bomb that is a bad deal for both bosses and workers. Excessive workloads and unrealistic expectations are burning employees out, killing motivation and productivity, and driving away top talent from organisations. Workers then get stuck in negative cycle, as a lack of support from managers causes overwork, which in turn harms their well-being, willingness to stay on in the job and how effectively they do their work."

"It's important for bosses to understand unpaid work and missed holidays aren't a sign of dedication, they are symptoms of a system which has to work better. Companies need to find ways to give their people fair amounts of work and make sure they have time for their families and hobbies. This will help everyone feel happier and work better."

Dr Mansoor Soomro, Future of Work Lead at Teesside University International Business School, chimed in: "Unrealistic workloads and overtime culture is a productivity killer. There is a clear negative and diminishing impact on productivity after a certain number of hours."

"Beyond that, mental fatigue sets in, leading to errors, decreased focus, and slower work. Exhausted employees become less efficient, negating the gains from extra hours. Secondly, overtime reduces innovation. Creativity thrives in a well-rested and balanced mind. Overworked employees have less mental energy for brainstorming new ideas or problem-solving creatively. This stifles innovation and the company's ability to adapt and grow."

REASONS EMPLOYED ADULTS WORK UNPAID OVERTIME:

  1. To wrap up their daily tasks.
  2. The volume of work they are assigned is unachievable in their contracted hours.
  3. Unpaid overtime is a part of their workplace culture.
  4. They must fix their errors.
  5. Managerial pressure compels them.
  6. They have to rectify a colleague's mistake.
  7. They feel coerced by fellow workers.
  8. They find time management challenging.
  9. They believe it could enhance their promotion prospects.
  10. They have nothing else on their agenda.