Over 40 percent (43%) of UK employees regularly work overtime, according to data from HR and payroll specialist, SD Worx.
Almost half of UK employees demand flexibility (47%) and commitment to providing a work-life (41%) balance from their employers, as the lines between the nation’s private and professional lives are blurring more so than ever before.
This is seemingly felt across Europe as 4 out of 10 employees check work-related emails or answer work-related phone calls out of hours.
Also, 34 percent admitted to continuing to do so after the work day ends, and 35 percent said they had difficulty letting go of work commitments when on leave (35%).
Compared to European counterparts, UK workers feel the most pressure to be constantly contactable via digital devices, with nearly two-thirds (64%) saying so, compared to Finland (52%), Germany (49%), Spain (49%), Italy (48%), Sweden (48%) and Norway (47%).
Employee wellbeing and switching off
“Employee wellbeing must be a priority for every employer, and that means encouraging teams to truly switch off outside of working hours wherever possible, and especially on annual leave. It’s vital to achieve a happy and healthy workforce,” explained HR Business Partner at SD Worx, Laura Miller.
“Flexible and hybrid work models are increasingly helping put people in control of their work-life balance, but employees can be left facing performance pressures and anxieties leaving them feeling the need to constantly be online and contactable,” adda Ms Miller.
“That’s why it’s vital organisations build a culture where teams are trusted, wellbeing isn’t just a buzzword, and employees understand the benefits of resting, relaxing and re-energising if companies want to limit churn and prevent employee burn out,” concludes Ms Miller.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
