Employees Extra Hours: Employees Work More Hours No Benefit
New report reveals UK employees work on average 17 hours more each month than their contracted hours, but this extra time doesn’t increase productivity
MAXIS Global Benefits Network, a network of insurance companies, has just released results of a new study which shows that UK employees work on average more than 17 hours over their contracted hours every month.
The study blames this on the majority of workers feeling pressured by a company culture of needing to be seen at their desk. 79% of UK staff feel they work in an office environment with such a culture. Instead of actually boosting productivity, research suggests this remains static whilst actually losing organisations money due to increased absenteeism. 29% of employees admit that when working at their desks for longer, they simply spread their existing workload out across the additional time, with no increase in output. However, 22% report that spending extra time in the office negatively affects their mental or physical health, risking sick leave.
Head of Health & Wellness at MAXIS Global Benefits Network, Dr Leena Johns, comments “All organisations should look to create a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages productivity. It is important that managers distinguish between employees simply sitting at their desks and working harder. They need to measure real productivity and output.
“A strong workplace culture can help motivate employees and deliver improved financial performance, with a measurable increase in revenue. Unhealthy or stressed employees are a cost in terms of decreased productivity, rapid staff turnover, increased healthcare costs and absenteeism. There are a number of factors that impact workplace culture, from the physical environment of the office to the benefits and corporate wellness programmes offered by the employer, all of which have the potential to foster a healthier and more productive workforce.”
The issue of staff being present in the office but not working to optimum efficiency is known as presenteeism. We have mentioned the cost of presenteeism and absenteeism before, and it is worth remembering that both can be a major threat to productivity in the workplace. Over engagement, where staff feel obliged to work extra hours, also has a detrimental effect. It’s crucial to keep a balance where employees are working at peak efficiency, but are also engaged, and both physically and mentally well. This is especially important since the latter factors contribute to the former.
Bodet’s Time & Attendance Solutions are designed to increase productivity, whilst supporting your staff through wellness and engagement. Software modules add additional functionality, such as Job Costing which provides full visibility on the number of hours worked on individual projects, whilst Staff Planning increases efficiency by comparing staff requirements to staff availability. The Absence Management module lets you calculate and monitor attendance patterns using KPI indicators such as the Bradford Factor, so staff can be properly supported to avoid instances of long term sickness. Employee engagement is supported through elements such as flexible working, employee empowerment, communication and fairness.
If you would like further information, or a free demonstration of our Time & Attendance Solutions to see how they will boost productivity in your organisation, please do not hesitate to contact us.
