Nearly a third of UK workers admit to working overtime at the weekends

British workers are at risk of burning out, as reports show many across the UK are working overtime at weekends and even taking their work on holiday with them. The study by workspace provider Regus revealed that 30% of British employees work through their free time, with concerns being raised that not enough is being done to ensure that staff get the opportunity to have an adequate work-life balance.

Companies worldwide are beginning to address the right to free time, as the increasingly connected globe makes it harder to ‘disconnect’ from the workplace. As the report suggests, many could be facing physical, psychological and emotional distress as they struggle to rest and take their mind off work. The study urges HR professionals and managers to ‘wake up’ and address how many are dedicating their relaxation time to work.

Flexibility may be the key, as many feel more comfortable working within their own environments than in the office, and as work data becomes more accessible at home, companies could be missing out on a major opportunity. With 43% of respondents admitting they intend on working remotely in order to improve morale and avoid the commute, more companies across Britain are encouraging smarter working and beginning to adapt. Regus believes that while employees’ mental health is increasingly on the minds of bosses, the awareness can now become “tangible action and strategy.”

“Studies prove that the commute remains a major cause of stress and unhappiness yet still employees are asked to battle for the same train at the same time simply to be present at a designated location,” said Regus UK CEO Richard Morris, who called the morning commute “archaic and outdated.”

“By embracing flexibility and enabling employees to work closer to home, employers will be rewarded with a workforce that is better equipped to provide its best work,” he concluded. “The onus is on UK firms to take a pro-active stance and to put worker wellbeing first.”