Hardworking professionals are feeling the effects of longer working days and unpaid overtime.
A new study by law firm,ย Wright Hassall, found that the average worker is performing nine or more hours of overtime in a given week, which totals more than one working day, compared to just three or more hours before the start of the pandemic.ย The research also found that more than half (52%) are actually doing so without being paid for this.
The survey conducted by the firm reveals that 48% of business professionals cite lockdown as the main reason for their extended working day, as 41% say they are working extra hours to help support their company during an extremely challenging time.ย Remote working has also had a significant impact, as 34% struggle to log off on time, while 29% say they feel under pressure to perform due to a lack of job security.
The data says this is having a damaging impact on workersโ loyalty, with almost 28% saying this has negatively impacted their future commitment to the company, while one in four say they simply want a better work life balance and the same number say they want to feel supported.
Unpaid overtime is having a knock-on effect in terms of workersโ mental health, with as many as 34% saying they feel more anxious, 31% feel more stressed, while one in four struggles to switch off.ย More than one in five (22%) say they have trouble sleeping, while 17% have lower job satisfaction as a result of longer working days.
In addition, the data revealed that 18% feel concerned that unpaid overtime will become the norm of their business even after lockdown ends. The research also suggests workers are not feeling supported by their employers, as 49% say their employer does not offer any form of mental health support, while of those who do, 23% say the support is inadequate and 19% are unaware how to access it.
Tina Chander, Head of Employment Law at Wright Hassall, said: โNot only has lockdown had a significant impact on businesses who are struggling financially, but it has also had an impact on their employees, many of whom are working extended hours trying to keep businesses afloat.
It can be emotionally and physically draining to work extra hours for no additional pay, and even more concerning if youโre not receiving the right level of support from your employer when overtime starts to affect your mental health. Itโs important to raise any concerns with HR or your supervisor, to ensure you donโt suffer in silence.โ
Wright Hassallย is a top-ranked firm of solicitors based in the West Midlands, providing legal services including; corporate law; commercial law; litigation and dispute resolution; employment law and property law. The firm also advises on contentious probate, business immigration, debt recovery, employee incentives, information governance, professional negligence and private client matters.
For more information, please visit:ย www.wrighthassall.co.uk.
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