Widespread unpaid overtime & mental health taking its toll

A recent survey unveils the significant pressure British workers are under to work overtime, with a shocking 84% of respondents citing they feel obliged to work additional hours to fulfil job demands. This study, conducted by Moneypenny, canvassed the opinions of 1,000 UK workers, revealing the extent of overtime and its subsequent impact on mental health, wellbeing, and personal relationships. Intriguingly, the average UK worker is found to accumulate an extra 23 hours each month due to overtime.

The research divulges that a quarter of Brits undertaking overtime do so without receiving any extra compensation. Reasons driving such behaviour primarily revolve around the expectation of meeting job demands and obligations, thereby causing undue stress on the workforce.

The data reveals the disparity between sectors, with Law Enforcement and Security workers completing the most overtime. Workers in this field dedicate, on average, an additional 12.6 days each month to work, equating to approximately 35.2 hours of extra labour. In contrast, workers in the Business, Consulting and Management industry commit an extra 32.24 hours each month, extending their typical day by roughly 3.1 hours.

Other industries significantly prone to overtime include Information and Technology, and Energy and Utilities, with the average worker dedicating an additional 31 hours each month. Representing the least in the top five, the Media and Internet sector contributes an extra 29 hours monthly in overtime.

The extensive hours of extra work have a definitive toll on the lives of workers, extending beyond merely disrupting their work-life balance. According to the study, just over a quarter (26%) of workers found that overtime had negatively impacted their physical health. Almost a quarter (23%) saw adversities in their mental health due to prolonged hours at work. More striking is the impact of overtime on personal lives, with 15.7% claiming it led to issues within their relationships, and close to 8% even attributing workplace overtime to breakups.

Moneypenny’s Chief People Officer, Fiona Armstrong, responded to the findings and highlighted the importance of ensuring employee wellbeing, stating, "Caring for your employees and managing overtime is a critical practice for any business leader. Remember that a well-rested, engaged, and content workforce is the true driving force behind success. At Moneypenny, we prioritise our team's well-being, making sure we look after everyone, and we know that it leads to their commitment and dedication to our mission."

As the effects of overtime on employees’ mental and physical health become increasingly conspicuous, businesses are urged to reassess their work practices and ensure employee wellbeing remains a top priority.